Here is the information you should know about the only way that you can pay your federal taxes with cash at an approved participating retail store.

The instructions are available at IRS.gov/paywithcash.

It generally takes up to seven business days to process your cash payment.

For that reason, be sure to start this process at least seven business days before the due date to be sure the IRS receives your payment on time.

Now, before heading to a participating retail location to pay with cash, you will need to take three steps online.

Step one

On IRS.gov/paywithcash, click the link to "ACI PAYMENT INC." and follow the instructions to make a cash payment.

Step two

You will receive an email from "ACI PAYMENT INC."

The IRS will then take up to three days to verify your information.

Step three

After the IRS verifies your information, you will receive an email from "Pay Near Me" that has a link to your payment code and instructions.

Either print the payment code or send it to your smartphone, ready to be scanned by a store clerk.

Final step

You can now go to a participating retail store to make your cash payment.

The payment code will expire seven days after you receive it in the email.

Ask the store clerk to scan or enter your payment code.

You will receive a receipt after you give them your cash and they submit the payment.

It's important that you keep this receipt for your records.

It's confirmation of your payment.

It usually takes two business days for your payment to post to your account.

Go to IRS.gov/paywithcash for detailed instructions and frequently asked questions.