What Is Form 1040-V?
When paying your taxes with a check or money order, you will need to attach Form 1040-V to your annual tax return. Here’s how.
Key Takeaways
- Form 1040-V is a payment voucher used by taxpayers to submit their federal income tax payments.
- This form should be included with your payment when you have a tax due on your Form 1040.
What Is Form 1040-V?
Form 1040-V is a voucher you can use to pay your taxes when filing an annual return. To do this, you will fill out the form, attach it to your Form 1040, and send both in with a check or money order.
How to Fill Out Form 1040-V
Filling out Form 1040-V is a straightforward process. You will only need to enter the following information:
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Tax Identification Number. (If filing jointly, include the Social Security Number shown first on your tax return.)
- The amount you are paying via check or money order. (If you are paying electronically or with cash, you do not need to complete or file Form 1040-V.)
- Your name, and if filing a joint return, your spouse’s name.
- Your home address. (Lines are provided to list an address in a foreign country.)
To learn more, see the instructions provided with Form 1040-V.
How to Fill Out Your Check or Money Order
When making a payment:
- Make the check or money order payable to “United States Treasury.”
- Write your SSN, tax form number (1040-V), and the tax year on the check or money order.
- Do not attach the payment to your tax return. Instead, include it in the envelope with the completed Form 1040-V and your tax return.
Can I Pay My Tax Bill with Cash?
You can pay your tax bill in cash at IRS-designated locations. However, it is never wise to mail money to the IRS. Instead, you will need to follow these steps:
- Visit the IRS-affiliated ACH Payments website and follow the instructions provided to set up a cash payment.
- The IRS will email you a payment code. Once you receive this code, visit a participating retail store, such as CVS Pharmacy, Dollar General, or Walgreens. (The IRS will provide you with a list of options.)
- Visit the retail store in question and give the customer service clerk your payment code and the payment itself.
- Within two business days, your payment should appear on your IRS account.
When paying with cash through this method, you will not need to fill out Form 1040-V. However, a service fee will apply, and you will not be able to pay more than $1,000 in a single day.
Alternatively, you can make a cash payment through an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.
Because of the complications and possible safety hazards of paying with cash, it is advisable to use alternate payment methods if possible.
Paying Your Tax Bill Electronically
Paying your taxes electronically is the easiest and safest option for paying your tax bill. Simply use IRS Direct Pay for a free, secure way to pay directly from your bank account. You can also pay via debit or credit card through approved payment processors (fees may apply).
As with cash, if you choose to pay your taxes electronically, you will not need to fill out or attach Form 1040-V.
The IRS2Go mobile app provides mobile-friendly payment options, including Direct Pay and card payments.
Get Help Filing Form 1040-V
At Greenback Expat Tax Services, we help Americans around the world file their taxes accurately and on time. Reach out, and we’ll be happy to fill out and file Form 1040-V along with your annual tax return.
Contact us, and one of our customer champions will gladly help. If you need very specific advice on your specific tax situation, you can also click below to get a consultation with one of our expat tax experts.
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