Taxpayers will be able to make Form 1040 Balance Due Payments, Form 1040ES Estimated Payments and Form 4868 Extension Tax Payments on the Internet by using their American Express, Discover Card or MasterCard at www.officialpayments.com.

The new Internet payment option by credit card expands on an Official Payments Corp. program launched in 1999 that enabled taxpayers to make payments by credit card via telephone.

The online payment channel will be available to all taxpayers including paper filers, electronic/Internet filers, filers who use tax preparation software or filers whose returns are prepared by accountants and tax preparation professionals. The Internet credit card payment system is scheduled to go live on Jan. 12, 2001, Official Payments Corp. said.

The IRS has included instructions on the credit card payment option in tax instruction booklets. Electronic copies of tax instruction booklets are available at www.irs.gov; printed copies will be made available later this year, according to the company.

During the first three quarters of 2000, Official Payments Corp. processed and collected over $630 million in federal balance-due, estimated, and extension tax payments from individual taxpayers making payments to the IRS.

-- SmartPros News Staff

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