Paying Taxes

Written By Katie Souvannavong

NO ONE enjoys paying taxes… but unfortunately it is unavoidable, especially for business owners who usually owe taxes. Here are the ways to best pay your tax balances due.


Federal income tax:

This is tax due to the IRS (Internal Revenue Service)

Types of payments you may need to make to the IRS include

  • Quarterly estimated tax payments for your personal income tax (or C-Corp)

  • Balance due for your C-corp or personal tax


Note- that businesses that are pass-through entities and use a K-1 to report business income (LLC or S-Corp) will need to pay the IRS tax based on their personal income tax.


OPTION 1: Pay with tax vouchers

These vouchers are provided to you by your tax preparer and are very convenient if you like writing checks. Follow the instructions on the voucher, make a copy of the voucher and check image, and send certified mail with tracking number to ensure you have proof that your check was received by the IRS.

  • 1040-V is for paying personal income tax balance

  • 1040-ES is for paying estimated taxes for your personal income tax return (you should be doing this!)

OPTION 2: Pay online https://www.irs.gov/payments

Online options are available to pay with ACH or by card with a processing fee

See the video for an example of how to pay your taxes online, make sure to select the correct tax year and form number



State income tax

This is tax due the FTB (Franchise Tax Board) for most of my clients who are based here in California

Payments typically need to be made for 

  • Quarterly estimated tax payments for you business or personal tax

  • Balance due for your business or personal tax

  • PTET tax for your business





Option 1: Pay with tax vouchers provided by your tax preparer. Make sure to scan in your voucher and check copy, along with sending certified mail for excellent record keeping.

Option 2: Pay online- https://www.ftb.ca.gov/pay/index.html see the video below






Regardless of how you pay your income taxes, ensure you are keeping records!

When tax time rolls around the next year, your tax preparer will ask for a list of estimated tax payments made and the confirmations of payment. Ensure you or your qualified bookkeeper maintains these records.

If paying taxes make your head spin, you can always reach out to our team at KLS or another professional that is familiar with with making these payments on your behalf.





Katie Souvannavong
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