How to Mail IRS Payments Safely (2025): Check, Money Order & Payment Voucher Guide
Mail Your IRS Payment with Certified Mail
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Send IRS Payment via Certified MailNeed to mail a check or money order to the IRS? Mailing an IRS payment requires careful attention to detail. A lost payment, incorrect address, or missing voucher can result in penalties, interest charges, and months of headaches. This guide covers how to mail IRS payments safely—including how to write your check to the IRS, which payment voucher to include, where to mail your IRS balance due payment, and how to get proof of payment.
Quick Checklist: Mailing IRS Payments
- • Make check payable to "United States Treasury"
- • Write SSN, tax year, and form number on the check
- • Include Form 1040-V payment voucher
- • Don't staple or paperclip check to voucher
- • Use the correct payment address (different from return address)
- • Send via Certified Mail for proof of payment
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Accepted Payment Methods
The IRS accepts several payment methods by mail:
Accepted by Mail
- • Personal check
- • Business check
- • Cashier's check
- • Money order (USPS or bank)
NOT Accepted by Mail
- • Cash (never mail cash)
- • Credit/debit cards (online only)
- • Electronic transfers (online only)
- • Cryptocurrency
Prefer not to mail? The IRS offers online payment options including Direct Pay, debit/credit cards, and payment plans.
Money Order vs. Check
Money orders are safer than personal checks because they can't bounce—they're prepaid. Consider using a money order for large payments or if you're concerned about having sufficient funds when the IRS cashes your check. USPS money orders are limited to $1,000 each; you may need multiple money orders for larger amounts.
How to Write a Check to the IRS
Follow these steps exactly to ensure your payment is processed correctly:
Check Writing Instructions
Pay To:
Write "United States Treasury"
Do NOT write "IRS" or "Internal Revenue Service"
Amount:
Write the exact amount you owe
Both numeric and written amounts must match
Memo Line - Include ALL of these:
- • Your Social Security Number (or EIN for businesses)
- • Tax year (e.g., "2024")
- • Form number (e.g., "Form 1040")
Example: "123-45-6789 | 2024 | Form 1040"
Sign and Date:
Sign your check and add the current date
Security Tips for Writing Checks
- • Use a gel pen (harder to wash/alter than ballpoint)
- • Fill in all blank spaces on the check
- • Draw a line through unused space after the written amount
- • Keep a copy or take a photo for your records
- • See our guide to mailing checks safely
Understanding Form 1040-V (Payment Voucher)
Form 1040-V is the payment voucher you should include when mailing a payment with your individual tax return. It helps the IRS process your payment quickly and accurately.
What to Include on Form 1040-V
- • Your name and address (exactly as on your return)
- • Social Security Number
- • Spouse's SSN (if filing jointly)
- • Amount you're paying
- • Tax year the payment is for
When Form 1040-V Is NOT Required
Form 1040-V is specifically for payments sent with Form 1040 returns. Use different vouchers for:
- • Estimated tax payments: Use Form 1040-ES
- • Extension payments: Use Form 4868
- • Balance due notices: Use the payment stub from the notice
- • Installment agreements: Follow IRS payment plan instructions
How to Organize Your Payment
Place items in this order (don't staple):
- Check or money order (on top)
- Form 1040-V payment voucher
- Tax return (if sending with payment)
Do NOT staple, tape, or paperclip your payment to anything. The IRS uses automated processing equipment.
Where to Mail Your IRS Payment
The payment address is different from the return address. Using the wrong address can delay processing for weeks.
Important: IRS Addresses Change Frequently
IRS payment addresses are updated regularly—using an outdated address can delay your payment by weeks. Always verify the current address before mailing:
- • Check the latest Form 1040-V instructions (updated each tax year)
- • Visit IRS.gov/Payments for current "Where to send" information
- • Call 1-800-829-1040 if you're unsure which address to use
How to Find Your Payment Address
The correct address depends on your state and what type of payment you're sending:
- • Payments with Form 1040 returns: Use the address in Form 1040-V instructions for your state
- • Standalone balance due payments: Use the address on the IRS notice you received
- • Estimated tax (Form 1040-ES): Different address—check Form 1040-ES instructions
- • Extension payments (Form 4868): Different address—check Form 4868 instructions
Common IRS payment processing centers include Charlotte NC, Louisville KY, and Cincinnati OH—but which one you use depends on your state and payment type.
Why Address Accuracy Matters
Sending your payment to the wrong IRS address can delay processing for weeks, potentially causing late payment penalties even if you mailed on time. The payment address is often different from where you'd mail a return without payment—never assume they're the same.
Using Certified Mail for IRS Payments
When you pay the IRS by mail with a check or money order, Certified Mail provides legal proof of your payment date. The IRS considers the postmark date as your payment date, so certified mail protects you if there's any dispute about when you sent your payment.
Why Use Certified Mail?
- • Proof of mailing date (counts as your payment date)
- • Tracking number to monitor delivery
- • Proof of delivery with return receipt
- • Legal protection if payment is lost
- • Peace of mind for large IRS check payments
Certified Mail Costs (2025)
- • Certified Mail fee: ~$5.30
- • Electronic Return Receipt: ~$2.82
- • Physical Return Receipt (green card): ~$4.40
- • First-Class postage: ~$0.78+
- • Total: ~$8.90 - $10.50
Rates as of July 2025—check USPS for current prices.
What to Keep for Your Records
- • Certified mail receipt (PS Form 3800) - shows tracking number
- • Return receipt (when it comes back) - proves delivery
- • Copy of your check (front and back after cashed)
- • Copy of Form 1040-V
- • Copy of tax return (if included)
Send Your IRS Payment the Easy Way
Upload your Form 1040-V and cover letter, and we'll send it to the IRS via Certified Mail with Return Receipt—next-business-day mailing for orders by 8 PM ET.
Mail IRS Payment NowCommon Mistakes to Avoid
Payment Mistakes
- • Writing "IRS" instead of "United States Treasury" - payment may be rejected
- • Forgetting to sign the check - will be returned
- • Not including SSN on check - may not be credited
- • Stapling payment to voucher - damages automated processing
- • Sending cash - never mail cash; no way to prove payment
Address Mistakes
- • Using return address instead of payment address - major delays
- • Using an outdated address - IRS addresses change
- • Missing your return address - undeliverable mail can't be returned
Timing Mistakes
- • Waiting until the deadline - mail delays can make you late
- • Not getting proof of mailing - can't prove you paid on time
- • Dropping in mailbox after collection - won't get postmarked that day
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a check out to the IRS?
Make your check payable to "United States Treasury" (not "IRS"). Write your Social Security Number, the tax year (e.g., "2024"), and the tax form number (e.g., "1040") on the memo line. Do not use staples or paper clips to attach your payment.
Should I send my IRS payment by certified mail?
Yes, using USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt is highly recommended for IRS payments. It provides proof of mailing date (which counts as your payment date) and proof of delivery. This protects you if there's any dispute about whether or when you paid.
What is Form 1040-V?
Form 1040-V is the IRS payment voucher that should accompany your check when mailing a payment with your tax return. It helps the IRS process your payment correctly. The form includes your name, address, SSN, and payment amount.
Where do I mail my IRS payment?
The mailing address depends on your state and whether you're sending a payment with your return or a standalone payment. Check Form 1040-V instructions or IRS.gov/Payments for the correct address. Never use the same address as returns without payment.
How long does the IRS take to process a mailed payment?
The IRS typically cashes checks within 2-3 weeks of receiving them. During tax season (January-April), it may take longer. You can verify your payment was credited by checking your IRS account online or calling the IRS after 3-4 weeks.
What if my check bounces?
If your check bounces, the IRS will charge a penalty (typically 2% of the check amount, minimum $25) plus any applicable late payment penalties and interest. They'll send you a notice requesting payment. Pay immediately to minimize additional penalties.
Mail Your IRS Payment with Proof of Delivery
Upload your payment voucher and we'll send it via Certified Mail with Return Receipt—next-business-day mailing for orders by 8 PM ET.
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