Can you prepay federal income taxes?

Answer 1

Yes, you can prepay federal income taxes through estimated tax payments. Generally, you're required to make estimated tax payments if you expect to owe at least $1,000 in tax for 2009 (after subtracting credits and withholding) and if your withholdings and credits are expected to be less than the smaller of 90 percent of the tax on your 2009 return or 100 percent of the tax on your 2008 tax return.

Estimated tax payments are paid quarterly (every three months). You can make estimated tax payments by check or money order attached to Form 1040-ES (Estimated Tax Payment Voucher). Or you make an electronic payment by enrolling in the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) at www.eftps.gov or calling 1-800-316-6541 (for individuals) or 1-800-555-4477 (for businesses). Or you can make electronic payment by Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW). Or you can make electronic payment by credit card. But a convenience fee is charged for this option.

If you receive salaries and wages, you ask your employer to withhold more tax from your earnings by fiiling a new Form W-4 with your employer and entering the additional amount to be withheld on Line 6 of that form.