Dear Valued Client,
If you file a Married Filing Jointly tax return and use IRS Direct Pay to make a 1040 balance-due or estimated tax payment, there is one important detail to remember:
Always use the primary taxpayer’s Social Security number when submitting the payment.
If the payment is submitted using the spouse’s Social Security number, the IRS may not automatically apply the payment to the joint tax account. This can result in an IRS notice and may require additional steps to have the payment properly transferred.
Before submitting a payment through IRS Direct Pay:
- Confirm which spouse is listed as the primary taxpayer on your tax return.
- Use the primary taxpayer’s Social Security number when making the payment.
- Double-check the tax year and payment type before submitting.
- Save your payment confirmation for your records.
Taking a few extra moments to verify this information can help prevent unnecessary notices and payment issues.
If you have questions before making a federal tax payment, please contact Lewis & Knopf. We’re happy to help.
Warm regards,
Lewis & Knopf, CPAs, P.C.
