Six top tax savers

First make sure you've done everything you can to lower your tax bill (see question No. 1). If that doesn't help, you'll have to pay up.

You can raise the dough any number of ways, including shaking down your first cousin or selling your least-favorite yacht. You can also qualify for an installment plan if you can prove to the IRS that you don't have sufficient assets or income to pay now. You'll be charged a $105 setup fee ($52 if you okay a direct transfer from your bank) and a variable interest rate on the balance (7% now).

Otherwise, use the lowest-rate loan you can. Tapping a home-equity line of credit may be the best deal. But you also have the option of paying by credit card through Officialpayments.com or Pay1040.com. Both hit you with a "convenience fee" equal to 2.49% of your tax bill, and then you'll have to eat the interest charges. Wherever you get the money, pay off the debt as quickly as you can.

NEXT: How can I be smarter about taxes next year?