Page 25: Refund & Balance Due Options
Nobody skips this page. Your return cannot be filed until it is signed, and an unsigned page 25 is the most common reason a completed organizer has to be sent back.
How long it takes. About 10 minutes. Have a check to hand for the routing and account numbers.
What this page does. It tells us how you want a refund paid or a balance settled, for the IRS and for the state separately, and it carries your electronic signature. Your return cannot be filed until this page is signed.
Before You Begin
Please have one of the following available:
- A voided check
- A recent bank statement
- Your online banking information
You’ll need your routing number and account number if you choose direct deposit or electronic payment options.
Refund Options
If you are entitled to a refund, please tell us how you would like the IRS and your state refund handled.
Federal and State Refunds Can Be Different
You may choose one option for your federal refund and a different option for your state refund.
For example, you might choose direct deposit for your federal refund and a mailed check for your state refund.
Available Refund Options
Paper Check
Receive your refund by mail from the IRS or state tax authority.
Direct Deposit
Have your refund deposited directly into your bank account.
This is generally the fastest and most secure option.
Apply Part of the Refund to Next Year’s Taxes
Use a portion of your refund toward your first estimated tax payment for the following year and receive the remainder as a refund.
Apply the Entire Refund to Next Year’s Taxes
Have the full refund credited toward next year’s tax liability.
This option is often helpful for taxpayers who routinely make estimated tax payments.
Direct Deposit Information
If you select direct deposit, please provide:
- Name(s) on the account
- Financial institution name
- Routing number
- Account number
- Account number confirmation
- Account type (Checking or Savings)
- Whether the account is jointly owned
Helpful Tip
Enter the account information exactly as it appears on your banking records to avoid delays in receiving your refund.
Balance Due Options
If you owe taxes, please tell us how you would like the balance paid.
Again, federal and state payments may be handled differently.
Pay the Balance Yourself
Choose this option if you plan to make payment directly to the IRS or state on your own.
Direct Debit from Your Bank Account
Choose this option if you would like the IRS or state to withdraw payment electronically from your account.
Installment Agreement
Choose this option if you are unable to pay the full balance and would like to explore a payment plan.
If selecting an installment agreement, please provide:
- The monthly payment amount you can reasonably afford
- Your preferred payment date each month
Using the Same Bank Account
If you would like any tax payment withdrawn from the same account used for your refund, simply select the appropriate option.
The account information can be carried over automatically, saving you time and reducing the chance of data-entry errors.
Choosing a Payment Date
If you select direct debit, you may choose the date you would like the payment withdrawn.
If no date is selected, payment will generally be scheduled for the applicable filing deadline.
Important
Choose a date on which you are confident sufficient funds will be available in the account.
Installment Agreement Requests
If you cannot pay the full balance due, we can assist with requesting an installment agreement.
Please provide:
- The amount you believe you can pay each month
- Your preferred payment date
The IRS generally allows installment payment dates from the 1st through the 28th of the month.
Authorization & Electronic Signature
Before your return can be filed, please:
Review the Authorization Statements
Be sure to check all required authorization boxes.
These acknowledgements confirm your filing and payment instructions.
Sign Electronically
Enter your full legal name as your electronic signature and provide the date.
Married Filing Jointly
If filing a joint return:
- Both spouses must sign
- Both spouses must date the form
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t Forget to Sign
This is the single most common reason a completed organizer cannot move forward for processing.
An unsigned Page 25 prevents us from filing your return.
Please double-check that all required signatures and acknowledgements are completed.
Refund Accounts Must Belong to You
Refunds generally must be directed to an account owned by one or both taxpayers listed on the return.
Before submitting your information, verify that the account is properly titled.
Verify Banking Information Carefully
Please enter routing and account numbers directly from:
✅ A check
✅ A bank statement
✅ Your bank’s online account information
Avoid entering numbers from memory.
Even a single incorrect digit may delay the receipt of your refund.
Account Number Is Not Your Debit Card Number
A common mistake is entering the number from the front of a debit card.
Your bank account number is different and should be obtained from your check, bank statement, or online banking profile.
Direct Debit Occurs on the Date You Select
If you authorize electronic payment, the funds will be withdrawn on the payment date you choose, not necessarily the date the return is filed.
Please select a date when funds will be available in the account.
Installment Agreement Payment Dates
When requesting an installment agreement, select a payment date between the 1st and the 28th of the month.
This helps ensure the request can be processed correctly.
Refunds May Be Applied to Existing Tax Debts
If you owe taxes from a prior year or have certain other government obligations, all or part of your refund may be applied to those amounts before any remaining refund is issued.
Installment Agreements Reduce Immediate Burden, But Not Interest
An installment agreement can make payments more manageable, but interest and applicable penalties may continue to accrue on unpaid balances.
Whenever possible, paying more upfront can help reduce overall costs.
When You’re Finished
Before submitting your organizer, please confirm that you have:
✓ Selected your federal refund option
✓ Selected your state refund option
✓ Confirmed all banking information
✓ Chosen how any balance due should be handled
✓ Provided installment details, if applicable
✓ Completed all required authorization boxes
✓ Signed and dated the page
✓ Obtained your spouse’s signature, if filing jointly
A completed and signed Page 25 gives us the final authorization needed to prepare and file your return according to your instructions. If you’re unsure which refund or payment option is best for your situation, feel free to include a note, and we’ll be happy to discuss the available options with you.