How long for IRS to post payments for back taxes?

[jklcpa]

Client owed back taxes for 2004 and 2006. Just a week ago, she paid these based on payoff figures I got through e-services by email. Her checks have cleared her bank, but account transcripts as of today still shows balances outstanding plus add'l interest. Should I ask for a different report, or write in through e-services again?

Here's my problem:

2008 debt cancellation income is creating a balance due on her return of $10,500. She has $2,000 to send in now. Can she get an installment agreement approved before the back year payments are posted? If not, would she be better off paying the $2K with an extension request, then waiting for the payments to post, and later file the return with the instal request?

[grandmabee]

I would send with extension