First, if you mail payments, you should always use certified mail to send anything to the IRS. That way you get the green card back, which is proof that they received it. However, there is now a better way. The IRS has a new service called Direct Pay. It is web based and is available 24/7. Your payment is taken directly from your bank account. This service provides instant confirmation of payment and your bank account information is not retained. It has five steps: (1) verify identity, (2) enter payment, (3) review payment, (4) electronically sign and (5) record the transaction. To use the service go to www.irs.gov/Payments/Direct-Pay.