Ouch!
You hit the total button on your tax calculator and find you owe Uncle Sam a lot more than you can possibly scrape together between now and April 16th.
What can you do when you end up owing the IRS, but can’t pay?
• File anyway and pay as much as you can. The IRS will send you a bill for the balance due. It's the best way to buy time and avoid interest and penalties.
• Whatever you do, don't try and escape payment by applying for an extension to file. The IRS has special ways to punish this type of dodge.
• You can also ask to go on the installment plan by filling out IRS form number 9465. You may still be charged interest and a late payment penalty for any taxes not paid by April 16th. But the consequences are much less severe then if you make no effort to pay at all.
• Finally, and as a last resort, you could charge your tax payment on your credit card. But, in addition to the interest on your card, you'll pay a 2.5 percent user fee for the privilege.
By the way, Uncle Sam accepts American Express, MasterCard and Discover. But not VISA.
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