Am I in trouble with the IRS?

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Q. I use TurboTax for my Income Tax Return. In instructions for Form 4868— Application for an Automatic 6-month Extension, it says, “You don’t need to file Form 4868 if you make a payment using electronic payment options, as Direct Pay–the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS).” Is it true? I paid the “Amount Due” on April 17, but I did not mail Form 4868. Am I in trouble?
— Taxpayer

A. We’ve got good news for you.

You are not in trouble, said Gail Rosen, a Martinsville-based certified public accountant.

“The IRS gives you the option of filing your extension by paper copy or electronically,” she said. “You do not need to file Form 4868 if you make a payment using their electronic payment options.”

Rosen said when you pay your taxes online, the IRS gives you the choice of paying your taxes using a major credit or debit card. Just note that you are charged a convenience fee, which can be quite high, she said.

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This story was first published in May 2017.

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