payUSAtax.com is a new IRS Authorized Payment Provider. Reading their website I had the impression we could pay the balance due on 2009 form 1040 with a Discover, Mastercard or VISA credit card, paying a Convenience Fee of 1.95%. This is lower than the fees charged by the other payment processors. Both Official Payments and Link2Gov charge 2.35%, reduced from 2.49% last year.

It's good that the IRS has added a third processor and that there is price competition. However, when I try to pay using a VISA credit card this message is displayed:

Visa credit cards are not accepted for the tax type selected. Please modify your payment method. If you would like to use your Visa credit card, please visit the �Pay by Credit Card� page at www.IRS.gov for alternate payment providers.

I have contacted payUSAtax for clarification, but given the wording of the message I don't think this is a programming or operator error.

Questions:

1. Has anyone actually used this site to pay 2009 balance due, and what type of card did it accept?

2. Can anyone see a disclosure on the site that should have told me that they do not accept VISA credit cards?

My search turned up only three previous mentions on Flyertalk:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/other...astercard.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/miles...hip-cards.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/other...es-points.html

I have used the site several times with no problem, using the Travelocity MC to pay my 944 employer taxes. I will be using it again to pay my Estimated tax in April, since with the lower rate and the 4% back in travel on the Gnome card I will come out ahead.
I have a refund coming, so no experience with the balance due portion.
JudyJFLA

I had the same issue with a Visa. Then I thought I would try out paying by phone. What do you know, it worked!
https://www.payusatax.com/PayByPhone.aspx

Thank you very much. The telephone system accepted my VISA payment .

Which cards are you guys using to pay off your taxes?

I used Chase Amazon.com VISA because we received a targetted offer of 15,000 bonus points for $10,000 spend in 90 days. These points are convertible to British Airways miles 1:1. That's 2.5 miles per dollar total.

^ Thanks. I have a 2% Visa rebate card; and this'll be great as one month negative interest loan. (1.95% - 2% = 0.05%)

Okay, blast me for not using a miles credit card.

- Pat

What about debit card for a flat fee of 3.95$ at www.officialpayments.com?

PayUSAtax.com changes $3.89 .

did you confirm the fee/rate for pay by phone?

Yes, it's an automated system which guides the user though every step, and confirms all amounts. The fee was 1.95%, same as online.

So does this mean I can use my Continental Business Card to pay $10,000 in tax and then receive refund of $9,200 from IRS if I only owe $800 in tax for $3.89 and receive 10,000 miles?

Technically you may. Practically, only if you want to risk bringing yourself to the attention of the IRS and get flagged for an audit. I personally will not do it.

1. Is your Continental Business Card a debit card?

2. It's not clear if payUSAtax accepts Mastercard brand debit cards.

The fee amount will be a flat rate of $3.89 for Visa debit or ATM/Debit transactions


https://www.payusatax.com/SelectService.aspx

Discussed here:


http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/other...es-points.html