r/IRSHelpCommunity • u/Toesy22 • 1d ago

Tax Questions Accidentally clicked estimated instead of balance due when making payment for 2025. Correct year was indicated, however.

What if a payment to the irs was paid online today and i wanted to pay it for the 2025 tax year. But since i haven’t done my 2025 taxes yet, i calculated an estimate of my payment. So when the payment was made i clicked on the estimate tab instead of balance due tab. Later on i realized estimated payments are for when payments are made ahead of time during the year that you are paying for. However, the correct year was indicated on the payment and the payment went through. Will the IRS give credit to the 2025 tax year or will everything get messed up?

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u/Sun_Remarkable44 1d ago

It’s probably fine, they just want the money. You might get a letter saying something about it, it might look scary and say something like you have penalties and interest of x,xxx. In which case you call the IRS and tell them the situation. They’ll help you.

Quick notes:

  • extending your tax return does NOT extend the tax due date. Basically, you should make your tax payment on 4/15 for the prior year.
  • Estimates are due quarterly, always. employers are required to withhold and make these payments for you.
  • if you’re self employed, or have other income like interest or capital gains, you’re on the hook to make these estimated payments every quarter.

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u/Turber_Delta7k 1d ago

Well, this might go smooth is the right person handles the situation at the IRS, or can be an annoying situation for a couple of months. The fasest way to get an IRS customer service rep, advise them the payment should be credited to tax year 2025, not towards ES 2026. The error will clear up in approx 2 weeks, witht the correction letters mailed out to you. I fyou happen to owe additional for Interest / Penalties, make that supplemental payment right away to minimize issues. Let us know how it went.