Can I pay the balance I owe to the IRS for 2021 before I file my 2021 1040 return

[attykss1]

I made a payment using IRS Direct Pay but selected the box "balance due" rather than "extension"

[FangxiaL · Accepted solution]

Yes, you can. But most people wait till they file and pay the balance due if any. As long as you made a payment for tax year 2021, it will be credited to your 2021 balance due when you file your tax return.