If I file my taxes now, can I have a check sent in as long as it is by April 17th? Also, can I submit half with a check by April 17th, then the rest by August or so?

[WillK · Accepted solution]

Yes you can file your taxes now and select that you will send in a check for payment. As long as you pay your taxes on or before 4/17/18 you will be all set. If you chose to pay 1/2 by 4/17/18 and the remaining by August please note that you will have penalties and interest accrued on the outstanding balance, so it is in your best interest to pay it all as soon as possible. 

[matthewruttenber]

Ok thank you.  If I cannot send it in the second half by April 18th, 2018, would it be best to set up a payment plan, or just be late with the second half, if I can have it paid by August?

I know you can only ask for a payment plan once every 5 years or so, so I would rather just pay lump sum in August.  What are the penalties for such a thing?