Question

I sent in my tax payment, but my check hasn’t been cashed yet. How can I find out if the IRS received payment so I don’t get any late payment penalties?

Answer

It can take some time for the IRS to process your return and your check. If you mailed the signed return with your full payment by the due date, you shouldn’t have any late-payment penalties. You would only have a late penalty if you had insufficient funds in your account.

If two weeks have gone by since you sent the last payment and your bank verifies that the check hasn’t cleared your account, call the IRS at 800-829-1040. Ask them if the payment has been credited to your account.

If the IRS cash check processing your tax payment hasn’t been completed and your check hasn’t yet cleared, you can:

  • Place a stop payment order on the original check.
  • Send another payment.

However, your payment might be considered a late payment.

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