How do I pay my federal taxes if the IRS hasn't processed my return ?

[Taxstress203]

Hello, I filed my taxes (state and federal) on 1/26/22. I received my refund for state already and I chose  the "pay later" option for federal because I owed. I wanted to start making payments because the April deadline is approaching and I don't want to be fined. However, my federal return says "still being  processed" and when using the payment tool on the IRS site it says "balance unavailable at this time". I've also had NO LUCK trying to call the IRS every morning in March. Its now April 5th, what do I do?

[xmasbaby0]

If you filed your federal return and it has been accepted you do not have to keep waiting---you can pay the tax you owe as shown on line 37 of your Form 1040.  There are a variety of ways for you to pay---and you need to pay by April 18, 2022.

 If you have federal tax due you can pay by mailing your payment with the 1040V voucher, (which has the address printed on it, having the payment taken out of a designated bank account, or you can pay directly on the IRS website. 

https://www.irs.gov/payments

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-payments/help/how-can-i-pay-my-federal-taxes/00/26212

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-payments/help/how-do-i-pay-my-irs-tax-due-with-a-check-or-mone...

To apply for a payment plan with the IRS

Apply Online for a Payment Plan

[Critter-3]

Mail in a payment...fill in a 1040-V to accompany the check.

 https://www.irs.gov › irs-pdfPDF
2021 Form 1040-V - Internal Revenue Service

[fanfare]

if you want to make partial payments,

pay as much as you can on the IRS website

www.irs.gov/payments.

[Taxstress203]

It wasn't accepted, its still being processed.

[Taxstress203]

I don't know what I owe for sure, it hasn't been processed.

[xmasbaby0]

@Taxstress203 Why do you not know how much you owe?   What is on line 37 of your tax return?   

[workingjazmine]

You should've received a notification if they accepted your e-file. Once the e-file is accepted then the processing begins. You would've known the amount you owe they notify you on the form. You can even lookup the amount online. 

[fanfare]

You still have until April 18th ; then you must take some action.

[Taxstress203]

@xmasbaby0  Thank you, I could have worded it better. What I'd like to know is, since the IRS has not processed my return yet that makes what turbo tax quoted an estimate, not the actual amount owed I assume.  So, would it make since for me to pay the IRS based on that amount. Even though I do not have an actual amount from the IRS. 

[Taxstress203]

@workingjazmine Per my post, the IRS did not process my return and the lookup/payment tool does not show a balance. 

[VolvoGirl]

Accepted only means the accept it FOR processing.  Then they process it.  The tax due on line 37 is really what you owe based on your tax return.   If the IRS has any questions they will mail you a letter or adjust your return and send you a refund or a bill.  

But you need to pay the tax by April 18.