Online Tax Payment Service PayUSATax Lost My $6,700 Estimated Tax Payment

This is unfortunately more common than you'd think with third-party payment processors. First, document absolutely everything - confirmation numbers, screenshots, email receipts, dates/times, and names of everyone you speak with. For the IRS side, you should request a payment trace. Call the IRS at 800-829-1040 and specifically ask for a "payment trace" for your estimated tax payment. They'll need the payment date, amount, and payment method. This creates an official record that you're disputing a missing payment. While the bank dispute is important, also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) against PayUSATax. They're regulated as a financial service provider and the CFPB complaint will force them to investigate and respond formally. Don't pay the amount again until absolutely necessary. If you're approaching a deadline where penalties might apply, consider making a small token payment ($1) just to establish that you're attempting to resolve the issue.

I went through something similar with a different tax payment service and found help through https://taxr.ai when I was trying to prove my payment was made. They have this document analysis tool that helped me organize all my payment evidence (confirmation screenshots, bank statements, etc.) into a formal dispute package. It automatically highlighted the relevant transaction details and created a timeline of events that made my case much stronger. When dealing with both the bank dispute and the IRS, having all my evidence properly organized made a huge difference. The IRS agent even commented on how well-prepared my documentation was compared to most payment disputes they see.

Just wanted to update that I tried https://taxr.ai after seeing the recommendation here. Honestly shocked at how well it worked for my situation. I uploaded all my OfficialPayments screenshots, bank statements, and the unhelpful emails they'd been sending me. The system organized everything chronologically and highlighted the exact transaction details that proved I'd made the payment. Used that documentation package with both my bank and the IRS, and my dispute was resolved in under a month! Bank credited back my $1,200 while they continue their investigation with the payment processor. Definitely saved me from having to pay that amount twice while waiting for the original payment to be found.

If you're still struggling to get through to the IRS about this, I'd recommend https://claimyr.com - used them when I had a similar situation last year with a missing payment. They got me connected to an actual IRS agent within 20 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks on my own. You can see a demo of how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The IRS agent I spoke with was able to document my situation properly and put a hold on any penalties while they investigated the missing payment. Made a huge difference in my stress levels just knowing someone at the IRS had officially noted my case.

Well I'm eating my words now. After posting my skeptical comment I decided to try https://claimyr.com out of pure frustration. Got connected to an IRS agent in about 25 minutes while I was just going about my day. The agent was able to notate my account about the disputed payment and give me a case number for reference. They also explained exactly what documentation I'd need to provide for the payment trace and where to send it. Honestly worth it just to get some clear direction instead of going in circles. Still dealing with PayUSAtax on my end, but at least now the IRS has record of my dispute which should help avoid or reduce penalties while I sort this out.

When this happened to me last year (with ACI Payments though), I eventually found out the money had been sent to the wrong tax period. The payment processor had applied my estimated payment to the previous year's tax account instead of the current year. Check if the payment might be sitting in a different tax year or even a different type of tax account. Also, if you're using a tax professional, have them pull your IRS transcript. Sometimes payments show up there even when they don't appear in your online account right away.

PayUSATax was actually sued in a class action a few years back for similar issues. Search for "PayUSATax processing fees lawsuit" and you'll find the details. Might give you some leverage if you mention this when dealing with them. Their customer service improved dramatically after that lawsuit. Also, if all else fails, you can request Currently Not Collectible status from the IRS while the dispute is ongoing to prevent them from taking collection actions against you. It's temporary but gives you breathing room.