Can I pay off my taxes before the approved installment plan kicks in?

[nvergos]

I filed my tax return with TurboTax a couple of weeks ago, and I found out I owe money to the IRS. I submitted an installment plan request which was approved, and I just got the IRS letter in the mail today. I am about to get an unexpected windfall, so I was planning to send a check for my entire tax bill before April.

The letter says that if I send them payments before the installment plan kicks in, it will reduce interest etc - what if I send them the entire balance? Will the installment plan still kick in, with the initial setup fee of $107 being debited from my checking account?

[JulieH1]

You can send the IRS the entire balance, but you need to contact them in advance to get instructions on the best way to do it.

It can take weeks to get a payment processed so it is possible that they will not see the payment you make and still start the agreement.  Since it is still early in the season, you still have time to reach them before the 4/17/17 deadline when interest normally starts to accrue.

I am including information and a link on how to change a payment agreement.

Reviewing your payment plan:

• You can view details of your current payment plan (type of agreement, due dates, and amount you need to pay) by logging into the Online Payment Agreement tool:

Review/Update Your Payment Plan

• You can view your current balance and payment history by viewing your tax account.

Viewing your tax account requires identity authorization with security checks. Allow one to three weeks (three weeks for non-electronic payments) for a recent payment to be credited to your account.

What you can change using the Online Payment Agreement tool (for non-direct debit agreements/plans):

• Change your monthly payment amount
• Change your monthly payment due date
• Convert an existing agreement to a direct debit agreement
• Reinstate after default

You must contact us to make a change to an existing direct debit agreement.How to revise an online payment plan:

• Make any desired changes by logging into the Online Payment Agreement tool. Make corrections on the first page that shows your current agreement type, payment date, and amount; then continue through the application to submit your changes.
• If the tool does not accept your new monthly payment amount, it will give you directions for whether to complete a Form 433-F Financial Information Statement, and how to submit it.
• If your plan has lapsed through default and is being reinstated, you may incur a reinstatement fee.

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/reviewing-and-changing-your-payment-agreement