We recently worked with a client who received an IRS underpayment notice for a quarterly estimated tax payment they knew had been made. Naturally, this raised immediate questions.
We confirmed the check had been cashed. That should have been the end of the story.
It wasn’t.
After reviewing the cancelled check, it became clear that the payee had been altered.
The client had even hand-delivered the payment to the post office—so this wasn’t a case of mailbox theft. Somewhere in transit, the check was intercepted and manipulated.
This is the uncomfortable reality: mailing checks is no longer a secure method of payment.
For years, paper checks have been the standard, especially for those more comfortable with traditional methods. But fraud tactics have evolved.
Check washing and interception are becoming more common, and even cautious steps—like avoiding home mailboxes—are no longer enough to eliminate the risk.
While this situation is being addressed, it has created unnecessary stress, delays, and potential financial exposure.
The takeaway is simple: it’s time to move away from mailing checks.
We strongly recommend making estimated tax payments through the IRS online payment portal. Electronic payments offer clear advantages:
- Immediate confirmation
- A reliable audit trail
- Significantly reduced fraud risk
- Faster resolution if issues arise
For those who may be hesitant—especially if online tools feel unfamiliar—a brief walkthrough can make all the difference. A quick call to guide you through the process is far easier than dealing with a fraud issue after the fact.
This isn’t just about convenience anymore—it’s about protecting you.
If you’d like help getting set up or walking through your first payment, we’re here to help, just give us a call.
IRS Payment Site Information
Visit the IRS payment website at: www.irs.gov/payments/pay-personal-taxes-from-your-bank-account and click on Make a payment. Select “Balance Due” as the Reason for Payment, “Income Tax – Form 1040” as Apply Payment to, and Tax Year as the Tax Period for Payment. Tax payments are due regardless of Direct Pay availability so avoid penalties by scheduling payments ahead of the payment due date. No more than 2 payments can be scheduled within a 24-hour period.
