Direct Debit Installment Agreements Suspended for December and January

IRS Annoucement: "Taxpayers with Direct Debit Installment Agreements recently received letters notifying them that the IRS will be unable to automatically withdraw their payments for December 2005 and January 2006 due to major computer system upgrades. As explained in the letter, agreements will automatically be extended for two months and agreements will not be defaulted for missed payments during this period. Taxpayers may avoid the accrual of additional interest and penalties by either mailing a check or money order using the envelope provided (a second letter will be sent for the January payment) or using electronic payment options as described on IRS.gov. The IRS will resume automatic withdrawal of taxpayer installment payments in February 2006."