The IRS offers four main online payment methods you can use from your computer or phone
You can pay an IRS bill directly through the IRS website using a bank account, debit card, or credit card. The IRS also accepts payments through third-party payment processors that charge a fee for the service. The fastest route is usually the IRS Direct Pay system if you have a bank account, since it costs nothing and takes a few minutes to set up. If you're using a credit or debit card, expect to pay a processing fee of roughly 2 percent of your bill.
Before you start, gather your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, your tax year, and the amount you owe. If you're paying on behalf of a business, you'll need the Employer Identification Number instead. Have your bank account or card information ready, depending on which payment method you choose.
Key Takeaways
- IRS Direct Pay is free and works if you have a U.S. bank account; it lets you schedule payments up to 120 days in advance.
- Credit and debit card payments through approved processors cost a fee (usually around 2 percent) but process within one business day.
- The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) is designed for businesses and people who make regular tax payments, and requires enrollment.
- You can pay by phone through an IRS-approved payment processor, though the fee structure is the same as online card payments.
- Payments made before midnight Eastern Time are typically processed the same business day.
IRS Direct Pay: the free option if you have a bank account
IRS Direct Pay is the IRS's own payment system and charges no fee. You enter your bank account information directly on the IRS website, and the money is withdrawn on the date you choose. The system works for federal income tax, self-employment tax, estimated tax payments, and other types of IRS bills.
Go to irs.gov/payments and select "IRS Direct Pay." You'll need your Social Security Number or ITIN, your filing status, and your bank's routing number and your account number. The system will verify your identity by asking questions about your tax return or other personal information. You can schedule a payment up to 120 days in advance, which is useful if you want to time it with a paycheck or business income.
Direct Pay processes payments overnight, so if you pay before midnight Eastern Time, the money usually leaves your account the next business day. There is no minimum or maximum payment amount. If you need to cancel or change a payment you've scheduled, you can do so up to one business day before the payment date.
Credit and debit card payments through approved processors
The IRS does not accept credit or debit cards directly. Instead, you must use one of the IRS-approved payment processors: PayPal, Stripe, Worldpay, or Authorize.Net. Each processor charges a fee, typically between 1.87 and 2.49 percent of the amount you pay, though the exact rate varies by processor and payment method.
Visit irs.gov/payments and click on the processor you want to use. You'll enter your card information, tax identification number, and the amount owed. The processor will show you the fee before you confirm the payment. Once you complete the transaction, you'll receive a confirmation number immediately. The payment itself reaches the IRS within one business day.
Card payments are useful if you don't have a bank account or if you want to earn rewards points on a large payment. Keep in mind that the fee is separate from your bill—if you owe $5,000 and pay by card, you'll pay roughly $100 to $125 in fees on top of the $5,000. Some people choose to pay part of their bill through Direct Pay (free) and the remainder by card to reduce the total fee.
EFTPS: the system for regular or business tax payments
The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) is designed for people and businesses that make multiple tax payments throughout the year, such as quarterly estimated tax payments or payroll tax deposits. It's free to use but requires you to enroll first, which takes about a week.
To enroll, visit eftps.gov or call 1-800-555-3453. You'll provide your Social Security Number or EIN, bank account information, and a PIN that you create. The IRS will mail you a confirmation letter with your EFTPS PIN within seven to ten business days. Once you receive it, you can log in and start making payments.
EFTPS lets you schedule payments in advance and set up recurring payments if you make the same payment every quarter. It also provides a record of all your payments in one place, which can be helpful for record-keeping. Like Direct Pay, EFTPS is free and withdraws money directly from your bank account.
Paying by phone through an IRS-approved processor
If you prefer to pay over the phone rather than online, you can call one of the IRS-approved payment processors and provide your card or bank account information verbally. The processors are PayPal, Stripe, Worldpay, and Authorize.Net. Phone numbers for each processor are listed on irs.gov/payments.
Phone payments work the same way as online payments: if you use a bank account, there's no fee; if you use a card, you'll pay the processor's fee. The payment is processed within one business day. Phone payments are slower than online because you have to wait to speak with someone, but they may be easier if you're not comfortable entering payment information on a website.
What happens after you submit your payment
Once you submit a payment, you'll receive a confirmation number immediately. Write this down or save the email confirmation, because it's your proof of payment. The IRS typically processes payments within one business day of receipt.
If you paid by Direct Pay or EFTPS, check your bank account to confirm the money has been withdrawn. If you paid by card, the charge will appear on your statement within a few business days. The IRS will update your account to show the payment received, though this can take up to two weeks depending on the payment method.
If you need to dispute a payment or if money was withdrawn but the IRS didn't receive it, contact the payment processor first. They can trace the transaction and confirm whether it reached the IRS. Keep your confirmation number handy when you call.
Comparing the payment methods side by side
| Payment Method | Cost | Processing Time | Setup Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRS Direct Pay | Free | Next business day | None; verify identity online |
| Credit or debit card (via processor) | 1.87–2.49% fee | One business day | None; enter card info at payment |
| EFTPS | Free | Next business day | Enroll online; wait 7–10 days for PIN |
| Phone payment (via processor) | Free (bank account) or 1.87–2.49% (card) | One business day | None; call processor |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my IRS bill with a credit card directly on the IRS website?
No. The IRS does not accept credit cards on its own website. You must use one of the four approved payment processors (PayPal, Stripe, Worldpay, or Authorize.Net), and each charges a fee of roughly 2 percent. You can access these processors through irs.gov/payments.
What's the difference between Direct Pay and EFTPS?
Both are free and withdraw money from your bank account. Direct Pay is simpler and requires no advance enrollment—you can pay immediately. EFTPS requires you to enroll first (taking about a week) but is better if you make multiple payments throughout the year, since you can schedule recurring payments and see all your payment history in one place.
If I pay online, how do I know the IRS received my payment?
You'll get a confirmation number right away when you submit the payment. The IRS updates your account within one to two weeks to show the payment received. You can also check your bank account or credit card statement to confirm the money was withdrawn or charged. If you're concerned, contact the payment processor using your confirmation number.
Can I schedule a payment for a future date?
Yes. Direct Pay and EFTPS both let you schedule payments up to 120 days in advance. Credit and debit card payments through processors typically process immediately, though some processors may offer scheduling options—check when you're entering your payment information.
What if I can't pay the full amount right now?
You can pay whatever amount you're able to pay online using any of these methods. The IRS will apply your payment to your bill, and you'll still owe the remaining balance plus interest and penalties. If you can't pay in full, you may want to explore a payment plan or other options through the IRS website.