If you e-file your 2020 tax return, you can use EFW to make up to four (4) 2021 estimated tax payments. This is a free option. The payments can be withdrawn from either a checking or savings account. At the same time you file your return, you can schedule estimated tax payments for any or all of the following dates: April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year.

To set up estimated tax payments to go toward next year's tax liability using the TaxAct^® program:

1. From within your TaxAct return (Online or Desktop), click Federal. On smaller devices, click in the upper left-hand corner, then click Federal.
2. Click 2021 Estimated Tax Payments in the Federal Quick Q&A Topics menu, then click Yes to review the requirements for making estimated tax payments.
3. The program will proceed with the interview questions for you to enter or review the information regarding your estimated tax payments.

If your return currently shows a Federal refund amount, you can apply part or all of that refund to next year's tax liability.

To apply the overpayment:

1. From within your TaxAct return (Online or Desktop), click Federal. On smaller devices, click in the upper left-hand corner, then click Federal.
2. Click Miscellaneous Topics in the Federal Quick Q&A Topics menu to expand, then click Apply overpayment towards 2021 tax liability.
3. Continue with the interview process to enter all of the appropriate information.
4. On the screen titled Apply Overpayment Towards 2021 Tax Liability, click Apply specific amount of 2020 refund towards 2021 tax liability, enter the Specific amount you want applied, then click Continue.

Note. If you enter information to make estimated tax payments by electronic funds withdrawal while going through the Q&A interview questions, you must still mark each box to verify the quarterly payments when going through the e-filing steps.

If you prefer not to use EFW to make your payments, or if you have already filed and would like to make electronic estimated tax payments online, see the Related Links for information on making payments using the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) or IRS Direct Pay.

Call IRS e-file Payment Services at 1-888-353-4537 to inquire about or cancel a payment. Cancellation requests must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. ET two business days prior to the scheduled payment date.

Related Links

• IRS EFTPS: The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System
• IRS Direct Pay With Bank Account
• IRS Instructions for Form 1040-ES Estimated Tax for Individuals

Note that any link in the information above is updated each year automatically and will take you to the most recent version of the document at the time it is accessed.