IR-2019-61, April 2, 2019 WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is offering a free webinar focusing on the importance of filing a return on time, even if the tax due cannot be paid. Though primarily designed for tax professionals, many people who prepare their own returns may find this webinar helpful. The webinar, “Filing is the Thing to Do, Even if You Have a Balance Due,” is set for Thursday, April 4, 2019, at 2 p.m. Eastern time. The hour-long webinar will include a Q&A session. For taxpayers who need more time to prepare their taxes, the IRS will provide information on how to apply for an extension of time to file during this session. Remember that an extension of time to file a return is not an extension of time to pay taxes owed. Tips on how to avoid a large tax bill when filing next year’s tax return will also be discussed. Taxpayers can do a “Paycheck Checkup” now using the IRS Withholding Calculator, which will ask taxpayers to estimate their 2019 income, the number of children they will claim for the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit and other items. Payment options An explanation of payment options will be provided too, including a discussion of the options outlined on the “Pay” tab on IRS.gov. Taxpayers can pay with their bank accounts for free or choose an approved payment processor to pay by credit or debit card for a fee. They can also use checks or money orders made out to “U.S. Treasury.” Most tax software products give taxpayers various payment options, including the option to withdraw the funds from a bank account. As an alternative, taxpayers also may use IRS Direct Pay on IRS.gov to make an electronic payment from their bank account to the U.S. Treasury. Some taxpayers also visit an IRS office to make in-person monthly or quarterly tax payments. But there are online options available to them as well. Those payments can be made online by using IRS Direct Pay or through the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System. Closed captioning will be offered for this hour-long session. All participants who qualify will receive a certificate of completion for continuing education purposes. Tax professionals must pre-register to attend the session to obtain a continuing education credit.
