Writing a check date, vs online payment and address

[Gabe Logan]

I due taxes to the state.

I am paper filing the state return (printing from TT).

I will mail the tax forms on Apr 15th (due on Apr 17th in MA}.

I owe money.

1. If I write a check.

I understand tax forms need to be postmarked by the due date

But, does the check also need to be postmarked or received or deposited by Apr 17th?

I bet they won't be depositing the check for a few weeks.

Will there be interest calculated between April 17th and day of deposit?

2. If I pay online.

Will I need to indicate anywhere on the tax forms (that I'm mailing after printing from TT) or in TT that the tax due has been paid?

Or should I just mail the forms that indicate the due amount to the same address that TT tells me but simply just not include a check?

I ask because if my understanding is correct, when you make estimated tax payments to MA then that is indicated on the tax form so that the tax due amount is calculated correctly (I've never done this).

Should I include a print out showing that I paid and send to the same PO BOX 7003 address?

Thank you

[KrisD15]

1. Date the check for the day you write it. 

If it is included with your tax return and the postmark is on or before the due date, the check is considered received on the postmark date. No interest for the days it takes to get to the IRS. 

2. You can pay online. TurboTax does not know if you mail a check or pay online, so it does not matter. 

If you are paying your tax liability for tax year 2023, be sure you indicate that on the state website you used to pay the tax. Paying your tax liability (the tax payment due on your return) is NOT the same as paying Estimated Tax Payments. 

[Gabe Logan]

Thank you. I will put the check in with the rest of the forms and postmark it on April 15th