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Put your taxes on plastic
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August 21, 1998: 1:18 p.m. ET
IRS gives contracts to two firms to provide electronic payment services
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - Facing a hefty tax bill next April? No problem. Whip out your credit card.
The Internal Revenue Service said Thursday that it has contracted with several private firms to provide electronic payment services to taxpayers in 1999.
"We are pleased with the industry's responses to our call for new partnerships to increase e-filing," said Robert Barr, IRS Assistant Commissioner for electronic tax administration. "We will monitor how well these initiatives work, and we look forward to expanding our partnership with the private sector in the coming months and years."
After electronically filing next year, taxpayers will be able to charge the balance due with a toll-free phone call. San Ramon, Calif.-based US Audiotex will process the payments, and the company expects to accept most major credit cards.
Also, people using Intuit (INTU) software to e-file from their computers will be able to use their credit cards to pay the balance through technology from NOVUS Services of Riverwoods, Ill. Taxpayers will be able to use any card issued by NOVUS, including Discover and Private Issue cards.
"In offering this service, the Internal Revenue Service has recognized the importance of convenience in paying taxes and providing more choices to consumers," said William Simmons, executive vice president of NOVUS Services. "In addition, this new option gives our cardmembers the flexibility of paying over time."
The IRS has also entered into agreements with firms such as VeriSign (VRSN)of Linthicum, Md., to obtain technology that will provide enhanced security in electronic transactions.
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IRS Digital Daily
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