We will now be closed Monday and Tuesday and open Wednesday-Friday 9am to 3pm until May.
Information Center is open 24/7.
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March menu
Meals are served at 11:30 a.m. at the Senior Center, 125 Broadway, Bucksport. For reservations call 469-3632. $5 per meal. All ages welcome.
Download the menu (.pdf) here.
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The Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce this year's Bucksport Bay Festival dates! Friday, July 21, Saturday, July 22, and Sunday, July 23, 2017.
#Thinksummer and join us
for #bayfest2017! For more info call 207.469.6818 or visit the festival website.
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Playing at the Alamo Theatre...
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La La Land
Fri 17 Mar, 6:00 pm
Fri 17 Mar, 8:40 pm
Sat 18 Mar, 6:00 pm
Sat 18 Mar, 8:40 pm
Sun 19 Mar, 2:00 pm
Sun 19 Mar, 6:00 pm
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The Buck Memorial Library
on Main Street in Bucksport
offers a free story time each
Wednesday from 10:30AM
to 11AM.
Children of all ages are welcome.
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Free Small Business Advising for Bucksport Bay Area
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Thinking about starting a business? Or do you already own one? There's a helpful (free!) small business resource for the Bucksport Bay area ready to help you with everything from starting, to maintaining and growing your business. The business advising is confidential, offered at no charge and provided by the Maine Small Business Development Centers. Space for the consultations is graciously provided by Bangor Savings Bank.
Bangor Savings Bank
89 Main Street
Bucksport
By appointment only
Please contact
Betty Egner at 207.664.2990
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BEGINNER-FRIENDLY
Healing Hatha Yoga
Tuesdays 4-5pm
Beth Wright Cancer Resource Center, Ellsworth FREE
Wednesdays
3:30-4:30pm
Bucksport Regional Health Center ($12)
Thursdays 1-2pm
Beth Wright Cancer Resource Center Ellsworth FREE
Discounts for first- responders
All classes FREE to Beth Wright Center clients
All classes are for adults and teens. Anyone under 18 must have a signed waiver from their parent or guardian. Children under 13 are only permitted by special permission from the instructor. Mats and props are provided and no yoga experience is necessary.
More details online
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Free LEGO Club at the Stockton Springs Community library
The Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) is proud to offer free LEGO programs on the 3rd Thursday of every month from 4:00 - 5:00 PM through April 20th 2017.
Focus age group is 4 through 10 years old, however children of all ages are welcome to participate in the LEGO Fun! No registration is necessary.
The purpose is to become a creative, engaged, lifelong learner while having fun. The library provides the LEGO bricks and participants provide their imagination and creativity! LEGO creations will be displayed in the library until the following month's LEGO Club.
March 16, 2017
April 20, 2017
No registration necessary! SSCL is located at 6 Station Street in Stockton Springs. For more information call
567-4147.
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Happy St. Patrick's Day
Here's hoping that this week's blizzard was the last we'll see this season! We offer a hearty thanks to all the business members who shoveled that heavy snow off the sidewalks this week.
We're still looking for one more sponsor for the Annual Awards celebration coming up in April. And we hope you've cast your ballot!
In this issue, we highlight a free cooking class, our March Business Buzz, news from Penobscot Marine Museum, and a wine-tasting.
Read on to learn about the Hancock County Food Drive, a Wilson Museum event, and a special event at the Alamo.
Also below, a health talk, a history conference, and a talk at the Stockton Springs Community Library.
We hope you weathered the storm well, and that you have a Happy St. Patrick's Day!
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Annual Award sponsors
GOLDEN GLOBE SPONSOR
EMMY SPONSORS
Maine Small Business Development Centers
Bangor Savings Bank
Camden National Bank
- New Business of the Year
(sponsored by Penobscot Home Performance)
- Chamber Volunteer of the Year
(sponsored Camden National Bank)
- Non-Profit of the Year
(sponsored Huckleberries Card & Gift)
- Long Standing Chamber Member
(YOUR NAME HERE)
- Hans Honders
(sponsored by Island Pool & Spa)
- Business Person of the Year
(sponsored by Camden National Bank)
- Super Supporter
(sponsored by Wednesday on Main)
For just $100 you can sponsor
Long Standing Chamber Member award--and you'll receive
one complimentary ticket.
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| Cast your ballot for the annual awards |
Make your vote count
The nominations are in and it's time to vote!
The Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony is
Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at 6pm
at the Alamo Theatre in Bucksport.
We need you to vote for the following awards: New Business of the Year, Non Profit of the Year, Hans Honders, and Business Person of the Year. We have some very deserving nominees!
Cast your ballot online here.
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Free marketing workshops
Who should attend:
New and long-time business owners looking to understand the elements of marketing their business better
Cost: Free with Registration! Seating is limited.
Sign up for one, or attend all four!
Monday, March 20, 2017 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Sales and marketing go hand in hand. Increase your sales and make more money! In this seminar, Business Advisor Tom Gallant will explain the sales process and explain why it works - from introduction to the close. He'll help you set achievable goals and give you tips and strategies that will work for you.
Monday, March 27, 2017 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
You know the best way to grow your business is online but between social media, getting your own website in order, and creating email newsletters, it's hard to figure out the best way to spend your time and money. Consider this your 'crash course' in concepts you need to know about promoting your business online. We'll look at concepts like targeted ads, search engine optimization, blogging and more with a birds eye view so you can know what is most relevant, saving your time, money, and sanity.
Register online here.
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Winterport Business Association
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March Business Buzz is...
The Winterport Area Business Association
- They are a non profit organization designed to improve the business climate of the Winterport Area. If you have a business within Winterport, Frankfort, & Monroe please consider getting involved with your local business association.
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RSVP for our Annual Awards
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Annual Meeting & Awards
Our
Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony
April 4th at The Alamo Theatre in Bucksport. Hors d'oeuvres and cash bar start at
6pm and then we head into the screen room at
7pm.
Come celebrate a year of Bucksport Bay Area Chamber accomplishments while highlighting those members that have had an exceptional influence on the Bucksport Bay Area community and economy. Board Members are celebrated for their commitment to the Chamber including announcing new Board Members and thanking out-going Board Members.
ONLY $20 PER PERSON
RSVP AND SEND PAYMENT!
Checks, cash, or money orders made payable to BBACC are accepted by US mail or in person. If you are using this option please RSVP to
[email protected] or call
207.469.6818.
You can mail your payment to:
Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 1676
Bucksport, ME 04416
And it's not too late to sponsor!
We still need an award sponsor for the Long Standing Chamber member Award!
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Partnership Brings Cancer Patient Navigators to Washington County
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Healthy Acadia and Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center, with funding support from the Maine Cancer Foundation (MCF), has hired two part-time Cancer Patient Navigators. Navigators will help patients navigate the healthcare and social service systems and community resources to access appropriate diagnostic, treatment, recovery, support, and financial services. Funded through MCF's Challenge Cancer 2020 Initiative to reduce cancer rates by 20%, the project will help to address many of the significant health challenges faced by community members, including high incidence of cancer, high mortality rates, and limited access to care.
Angela Fochesato and Marianne Moore will work directly with patients and healthcare providers throughout Washington County to develop and employ a patient-centered navigation system in Washington County that ensures that each patient's healthcare needs are appropriately and effectively addressed. The navigators will empower patients to be in control of their healthcare and other aspects of their lives, thereby improving health outcomes and reducing mortality.
Both Angela and Marianne bring extensive experience in navigating complex healthcare management systems, and they demonstrate a strong connection with and compassion for patients living with cancer and their families. For more information, email
Angela Fochesato or
Marianne Moore or call 255-3741.
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The Role of Food in Film and Literature
Tuesdays, March 14 - April 18 (6 - 8 p.m.)
Wilson Museum, Hutchins Education Center
112 Perkins St., Castine, ME
...And the serpent said to Eve, "Take this apple...." This is perhaps the earliest recipe in the Western tradition and is one of over 350 references to food in the Christian Bible. Why are there so many? Food is frequently mentioned (often at length) in literature and film. Why? What does food add to the plot? Food, increasingly, takes a starring role in the books we read and the movies we watch. Come join Harry Kaiserian as he answers these questions and more in an exciting and informative 6 week course. The course will be held at the Hutchins Education Center in Castine on Tuesdays (6 - 8 p.m.) beginning March 14 and concluding on April 18.
By exploring selected films and literature together, participants will enhance their enjoyment of both, and gain understanding of the contribution of food to various plotlines.
Harry Kaiserian has been cooking since he was 11 years old and has been reading and going to the movies for longer than that. This series combines three of his favorite activities. He has been writing a weekly food column,
K's Kwisine
, for over 25 years and has taught cooking classes to a wide variety of audiences. Though not a professional cook, he has visited kitchens all around the world and has presented variations of this course in several venues.
Registration for this free program is appreciated for planning purposes, (207)326-9247 or [email protected].
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Wine-tasting at BookStacks
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Wine tasting
Saturday, March 18
4 to 6 p.m.
A Fortified
NV Rainwater Madeira (Broadbent) Portugal
This coppery beauty offers classic Madeira scents of dried dates, figs & mixed nuts. Smooth & not cloying, its fresh-fruit sweetness is built on a sturdy core of tart, lemony acidity.
Regular Price $17.99 ; Tasting Price $16.99 (We'll offer a half bottle for $10.99)
*
10% OFF THE TASTING PRICE WHEN YOU BUY 12 BOTTLES!
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Full-time, year-round opening at Island Pool & Spa
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Now hiring
Service Technician Position: Full-time, year- round Salary Position
Island Pool & Spa is looking for a qualified candidate that possesses good communication skills and a strong mechanical aptitude for equipment repair, plumbing and electrical repair. Candidate must be a team leader with a strong work ethic and positive approach to customer service. Occasional overtime and Saturday work is required during peak seasonal periods. Knowledge and experience with pools, spas, and related products is a plus. Relies on experience and judgment to service and repair pool/spa related equipment.
*You must be able to lift 55 pounds *You must have a valid, clean drivers license and dependable transportation *Applicant should be prepared to work in all weather conditions. *Applicant must be able to pass a background check if required. *Applicant must provide references.
This is a full-time, year-round salary position. Salary determined by qualification. Call Island Pool & Spa 469-6004 for more information or stop in for an application.
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A Rural Life for ME:
Stories from Maine Elders
With Meghan Vigeant
Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.
PMM's Stephen Phillips Memorial Library
9 Church Street
Free
Author and personal historian Meghan Vigeant shares stories and plays audio recordings about Maine's hardscrabble rural life gathered from the elders, larger-than-life characters, and tricksters she has worked with over the years. Stories range from building a cabin in the back woods for only $97 to how to mend a broken leg on a remote island. Touching, funny, and well told - this presentation is sure to entertain as well as inform anyone who wants to save someone's story.
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"Eating Better on a Budget"
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Free cooking class begins March 20 in Bucksport
What:
Four free classes about how to prepare healthy, delicious meals and stretch your food dollars
Where:
RSU 25 Adult Education, 102 Broadway (Bucksport High School), Bucksport
When:
Mondays, March 20-April 10, 2017 from 5:00pm - 6:00pm.
Healthy Acadia is excited to offer a free four-class "Eating Better on a Budget" series beginning on
March 20, 2017
. Classes will meet on Mondays from
5:00pm to 6:00pm
at RSU 25 Adult Education in Bucksport through April 10th. Classes will offer participants an opportunity to learn easy ways to shop for and prepare healthy, delicious meals while stretching their food dollars.
"Eating Better on a Budget teaches healthy eating habits, cooking skills, food shopping, and budgeting through a fun and hands-on learning experience," said Nikki Fox, Healthy Acadia's Hancock County Nutrition Education Coordinator. In each class, under the guidance of Fox, participants will work together to create a dish and enjoy sampling the final result. Recipes and other resources are also provided to participants during the class to support cooking at home and more healthful living.
Participants are requested to commit to all four classes in the series. To register for this series, please contact RSU 25 Adult Education at 207-469-2129 or online at
http://rsu25.maineadulted.org
. For more information or questions about this series, contact Nikki Fox at 667-7171 or email
[email protected]
.
Healthy Acadia Nutrition Education Initiative classes are made possible through Maine SNAP-Ed. Maine SNAP-Ed is funded by the USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which is administered by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and implemented through a contract with the University of New England (UNE).
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Drug interactions with supplements
Are your supplements interacting with your prescription medications? Join Rite Aid pharmacist Sylvester Osa-Iyare during BRHC's Health Talk Tuesday on
March 21st at noon to learn more.
Bring your lunch and enjoy a healthy appetizer provided by the Health Center.
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New Education Team Members
Executive Director Patty Hutchins is pleased to announce the addition of Jan Marie Miller and Keith Perkins to one-year positions on the Wilson Museum's Education Team. Education Team member Valerie Messana who joined the Team in 2016 will continue for another year.
Jan Marie Miller's broad range of life-experiences including living in Alaska and Slovenia, combined with her experience teaching domestically and internationally, promise fresh ideas and new enthusiasm for Museum programming. Jan Marie lives in Castine.
Keith Perkins also brings a wide range of life-experiences including fine art, graphic design and food services. His passionate curiosity in multiple subject areas as well as his computer and graphic skills will be a fine addition to the Ed. Team. Keith and his wife live in Bucksport.
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Hancock County Food Drive Underway
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Drop off your donations
The 2017 Hancock County Food Drive is fast under way. This month-long, countywide effort to collect food and funds
will benefit various food pantries, community meal sites, and school food programs across Hancock County. In 2016, the food drive generated enough money and food items to provide nearly 12,500 meals for families and individuals in need.
Please contact Healthy Acadia's Emily (at 667-7171 or
[email protected]
) for more information about how your business or organization can support the 2017 Hancock County Food Drive.
What do food pantries need?
- Food pantries need nutritious, non-perishable foods such as:
- whole grain pasta
- whole grain rice
- healthy soups
- canned vegetables
- canned tuna and meats
- peanut butter
- low-sugar, whole grain cereal
- low-sugar canned fruit
Please be sure to check expiration dates on any items you plan to donate.
The Chamber is a drop-off location! Drop your donations off with us any time we're open.
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FREE workshops offered
Healthy Acadia, in partnership with Blue Hill Memorial Hospital, will offer a free, six-week "Taking Action for Health" workshop series at Emerson Hall, 67 Court Street, Castine. Classes will meet weekly on Wednesdays from
10:00am to 12:30pm
beginning
March 22 and continuing through April 26, 2017
. "Taking Action for Health" is Healthy Acadia's Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, an evidence-based program to help those living with a chronic disease discover new tools for managing their chronic condition and maintain an active and fulfilling life.
"Taking Action for Health" is a free, interactive series that is open to anyone living with a chronic health condition, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, obesity, arthritis, migraines, asthma, eating disorders, depression and more. Caregivers are also welcome. Participants will learn appropriate use of medications; how to evaluate new treatment options; appropriate exercise for maintaining/improving strength, flexibility and endurance; nutrition information; how to communicate effectively with family, friends and health professionals; techniques to manage frustration, pain, fatigue and isolation; and decision making processes. Visit
http://patienteducation.stanford.edu/programs/cdsmp.html
to learn more about "Taking Action for Health."
The process in which "Taking Action for Health" is facilitated makes it effective, even for those living with multiple chronic conditions. Classes are highly interactive -
participants share their progress and successes and provide mutual support and encouragement. This helps increase participants' self-assurance in their ability to manage their health and maintain active, fulfilling lives. Workshop participants will each receive a copy of the companion book, Living a Healthy Life With Chronic Conditions, and an audio relaxation CD, "Relaxation for Mind and Body."
This "Taking Action for Health" workshop will be facilitated by Gordana Hassett, LCSW, CADC and Raeann Hodgson, RN of the Castine Community Health Center. Pre-registration is required. Contact Raeann Hodgson at 326-4348 or [email protected] to register for this workshop or for more information about "Taking Action for Health."
"Taking Action for Health" is supported by Grant Number
D04RH28404 from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an operating division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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Stockton Springs Community Library
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Patricia Oh, AARP Age-Friendly Consultant, March 26th
Stockton Springs Community Library's "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" group will present Patricia Oh, AARP's Age-Friendly Consultant on Sunday, March 26th at 2:00 pm, as part of the monthly healthy aging speaker series. She will discuss the benefits and activities of AARP in Waldo County.
Patricia Oh, LMSW, MS, works as an age-friendly consultant with AARP and the Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging. She is also Coordinator of Older Adult Services in Bowdoinham, Maine, where she works with Bowdoinham's Advisory Committee on Aging to provide services and advocacy that enable older residents to live in their homes for as long as possible and to remain active and engaged in the community.
Patricia is a PhD candidate and adjunct faculty in the Department of Gerontology at U-Mass, Boston where she is writing a thesis about the development of age-friendly communities. She has presented her research about designing, implementing, and maintaining age-friendly communities at national and international conferences. Her review of the age-friendly community movement in Maine was recently published in the Maine Policy Review.
Following Oh's presentation there will be time for Q & A and group discussion.
One question that will be addressed is:
"What effect will the repeal of the Affordable Care Act have on Medicare benefits and how would the ACA repeal change the cost of purchasing individual health insurance for people
aged 50 - 65?"
SSCL is also participating in AARP's "Aging Well in Waldo County" survey. Residents of Waldo County age 50 and older are eligible to take this quick and beneficial survey. Come into the library to complete the survey or online at
www.agingwellinwaldocounty.org.
April's Neighbors Helping Neighbors speaker will be Flic Shooter of Waldo County Hospice Volunteers on
April 30 at 2:00 pm
.
The program is free and all are welcome. Light refreshments will be served. For more information visit
www.stocktonspringslibrary.org
or phone 567-4147.
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Lighthouse Arts Center in Bucksport invites artists to submit entries for our upcoming juried show Celebrating Earth Day and the World We Live In opening April 22nd and running through May 20th.
Work in all mediums will be reviewed. The theme of the show is environment, connection to the natural world, or environmental science as we celebrate Earth Day and a day of solidarity with the March for Science. If interested please fill out the application under Gallery/ opportunities link on our website
www.LighthouseartsCenter.com.
Selection will be based upon the series of images submitted by each artist. A brief artist statement is optional. Selected artists will have their work featured in the exhibition and online. Deadline for submissions is April 1st, 2017. Artists will be notified of decision by April 8th, 2017, and drop off of work will be no later then April 15th at designated times. Thank you!
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MNFF New England Tour: Bucksport, ME
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Non-Profit Organization
The Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival [MNFF] was formed to support, promote and exhibit the dynamic and imaginative efforts of new filmmakers.
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Applications are currently available for the Penobscot Bay Stewards Program 2017 the deadline for application is April 1
The Pen Bay Stewards program
is offered annually by the Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition in partnership with Searsport Shores Ocean Campground
and provides a unique opportunity to study the Penobscot Bay region.
The program will run all day on Tuesdays and Thursdays from
April 25 through May 25
. Topics to be covered include Penobscot Bay history, marine life, island ecology, coastal land, intertidal and marine habitats, geology, the Penobscot Nation, fisheries, aquaculture, water quality, conservation issues, and current regional issues with impacts on our environment and human life. Leading authorities in their fields will give presentations and lead field trips.
The program will include classroom presentations, short hikes in nature preserves and state parks, and field trips to Rockland, Hurricane Island, Indian Island, Blue Hill / Stonington, Searsport, and the Belfast area.
Some days will require early morning departures and boat trips. Participants should be prepared to car pool and bring a bag lunch.
The course is free, but participants are expected to volunteer 30 hours to local conservation efforts of their choice during the coming year. Classes will provide an ample selection of possible projects.
For more information you can visit
belfastbaywatershed.org.
Thanks for your help in letting people know about this really great program!
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Learn About Installment Agreement Costs and Fees to Keep Your Tax Debt to a Minimum
If you have an overdue tax bill, an IRS installment agreement may be an option. An installment agreement is a payment plan that allows you to pay over time. However, these payment plans are not free. Paying your taxes late means penalties, interest and fees. Understanding these penalties, interest and fees will help you keep your overdue tax bill to a minimum.
The first thing to know is that the penalties and interest continue to grow until you pay off your tax debt. They can quickly grow to be much more than the one-time set-up fees the IRS charges, the IRS calls these user fees.
The biggest penalty is for filing a balance due return late. There is another penalty for paying late. And on top of that, there's interest. All these costs get bigger the longer you delay.
So file on time even if you owe. Pay as much as you can
before
your return is due. And if you still owe, set up an IRS payment plan as soon as possible and pay off the balance as fast as you can.
If you can afford a payment plan of 120-days or less, that's your best option. You'll keep your penalty and interest costs down and there's no fee to set up your plan. Most individual taxpayers can set up a short-term payment plan using the IRS's
Online Payment Agreement
application.
If you need to make monthly payments for longer than 120-days, that's another option but you will pay a set-up fee. The amount of the fee depends on how you set up your plan and how you make your payments.
Your lowest fee option is to use the
Online Payment Agreement
application and make your payments by direct debit from your bank account. The fee for that is only $31.
If you can't use the online application and pay by direct debit, or don't want to, there are other ways to set up a payment plan but they come with higher fees.
You can mail in IRS Form 9465,
Installment Agreement Request
, and make your payments by mailing a monthly check or money order. That's the highest fee option at $225.
If you mail in the installment agreement request but elect to make your payments by direct debit, the fee drops to $107. If you use the online application but elect to make your payments by check or money order, the fee is $149. If you meet the government's low-income standards, the fee for setting up an IRS payment plan is capped at $43.
To learn about all the options to pay your taxes visit
IRS.gov/payments
or call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. You can also talk to the IRS representative about setting up a payment plan.
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