The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers the option to pay taxes directly to them, using your credit card. The IRS outlines the details of paying taxes using a credit card at http://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=101316,00.html. Your personal financial situation will determine whether it makes sense to pay your tax bill with a credit card. Consider the following questions in making your decision and evaluating your bottom line: 

- The IRS charges a convenience fee for paying taxes with a credit card, usually a percentage of your total tax bill. Can you afford this fee? Proportionally, it could be quite large for large tax balances.  

- Are you likely to have the money to pay the taxes soon after the tax deadline? If you will have that money within a month, it could be paid immediately to the credit card, thus saving credit card interest. 

- If you are not likely to have the money soon to pay your credit card bill, what will the interest on your outstanding credit balance cost you? 

                  - Do you have another way to raise the money quickly to pay taxes? This could include:

- Selling personal items quickly for needed cash

- Borrowing from friends or relatives

- Taking a loan or using a line of credit, if the interest is lower than your credit card interest.

If you decide you do not want to pay your taxes by credit card, but still are unable to pay by the deadline, there are a few other options. These also may have costs associated with them.

First, be sure to file your taxes on time. Even if you cannot pay, file on time to avoid additional IRS taxes and penalties. Then, consider these options that the IRS makes available for paying late: 

- Pay a one-time late payment with associated interest and penalties. 

- Set up a plan with the IRS to make monthly payments. This is subject to monthly interest, and penalties for late tax payment.

Contact the IRS at http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=174267,00.html for additional information on payment alternatives.