How to Pay Your IRS Tax Bill Online

The IRS offers three official online payment methods you can use from your computer or phone

You can pay an IRS tax bill online through the IRS Direct Pay system, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or by credit or debit card through an approved payment processor. Each method connects directly to the IRS and posts to your account within one business day. You do not need to create an account in advance for Direct Pay or card payments, though EFTPS requires registration beforehand.

The method you choose depends on what you have available and how quickly you want to pay. Direct Pay is free and works if you have a bank account. EFTPS is also free but requires setup. Card payments charge a processing fee (typically 1.87% to 1.99% of the amount you pay) but are the fastest option if you do not have a bank account or prefer not to use one.

Key Takeaways

• IRS Direct Pay is free, requires only your bank account number and routing number, and lets you schedule a payment up to 120 days in advance.
• EFTPS is free but requires you to register with the IRS before you can make your first payment, which takes one to two business days.
• Credit and debit card payments charge a fee but work when ready and do not require a bank account or prior registration.
• All three methods post to your IRS account within one business day, and you receive a confirmation number when ready after payment.

IRS Direct Pay: free payments from your bank account

Direct Pay is the IRS's own payment system and charges no fee. You go to irs.gov/payments, enter your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number, your filing status, and the exact amount you owe, then provide your bank account number and routing number. The payment posts within one business day.

You can schedule a payment up to 120 days in advance, which is useful if you know when you will have the money. Direct Pay also shows you a confirmation number on screen when ready after you submit, and the IRS emails you a receipt. You do not need to set up an account or log in with a password — each payment is a separate transaction.

Direct Pay works for federal income tax, self-employment tax, estimated tax payments, and other IRS bills. It does not work for state taxes or for payments on behalf of someone else.

EFTPS: free recurring payments after initial setup

EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System) is the IRS's system for businesses and self-employed people who make regular payments. It is free, but you must register before your first payment. Registration takes one to two business days, and you receive an online PIN by mail within five to seven business days after that.

Once you are registered, you can log in and schedule payments up to 365 days in advance. EFTPS is designed for people who pay quarterly estimated taxes or make multiple payments per year, because the setup cost (in time) is worth it if you use it repeatedly. If you are paying a one-time bill, Direct Pay is faster.

To register for EFTPS, go to eftps.gov and provide your Social Security Number or EIN, date of birth, and mailing address. The IRS mails your PIN to the address on file. You will need that PIN to log in for the first time.

Credit and debit card payments: fastest option with a fee

You can pay by credit or debit card through an approved payment processor. The IRS does not process card payments directly; instead, it lists approved third-party processors on irs.gov/payments. Each processor charges a fee, usually between 1.87% and 1.99% of the payment amount, though some charge a flat fee instead.

Card payments are processed when ready and post to your IRS account within one business day. You receive a confirmation number right away. This method is useful if you do not have a bank account, if you want to earn credit card rewards, or if you need to pay faster than Direct Pay scheduling allows.

The approved processors change occasionally, so check the IRS website for the current list. Each processor's fee is different, so compare them before you choose one. The fee is not deductible as a tax expense.

What information you need before you pay

For any payment method, have the following ready: your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number, your filing status (if paying individual income tax), and the exact amount you owe. If you are paying a bill from a notice, the notice itself lists the amount due and the important date.

For Direct Pay and EFTPS, you also need your bank account number and routing number. Your routing number is the nine-digit code at the bottom left of your checks, or you can contact your bank. For card payments, you need your card number, expiration date, and CVV.

If you are paying on behalf of a business or trust, you will need the EIN instead of a Social Security Number. Direct Pay and card payments work for business payments. EFTPS is the standard system for business tax payments.

How to find your tax bill amount

If you received a notice from the IRS, the bill amount is printed on the notice itself, usually near the top. The notice also shows the important date for payment and any penalties or interest that have been added.

If you did not receive a notice but know you owe, you can check your account balance on the IRS website. Go to irs.gov, select "View your tax account," and sign in with your login credentials. Your account shows any balance due and the date it was assessed. You can also call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to ask about your balance.

Payment confirmation and what happens next

All three payment methods give you a confirmation number when ready after you submit. Write down this number or save the email receipt — you will need it if you have questions about the payment later. The IRS also sends you a receipt by email if you provide an email address during payment.

The payment posts to your IRS account within one business day. If you paid by Direct Pay or EFTPS, the money is withdrawn from your bank account on the date you selected. If you paid by card, the charge appears on your card statement within one to three business days, depending on your card issuer.

If you paid more than you owe, the IRS will refund the overpayment or explore it to a future tax bill, depending on what you request. If you paid less than you owe, interest and penalties continue to accrue on the unpaid balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the IRS by phone or mail?

Yes. You can mail a check or money order to the address listed on your IRS notice. You can also call 1-800-829-1040 to pay by phone using a debit card or bank account, though this method charges a fee. Online payment is usually faster and lets you schedule in advance.

What if I cannot pay the full amount right now?

You can set up a payment plan with the IRS. Short-term plans (120 days or less) are free. Long-term installment agreements charge a setup fee and monthly interest. You can request a payment plan on the IRS website or by calling 1-800-829-1040.

Do I need to mail a paper return if I pay online?

No. Paying your bill online does not affect your tax return filing. You still file your return by the important date (usually April 15) through your normal method — online, by mail, or through a tax preparer. Paying online only settles what you owe after your return is filed.

Is it safe to enter my bank account number on the IRS website?

Yes. The IRS website uses encryption and security measures to protect your information. Direct Pay and EFTPS are official IRS systems. Only use the payment methods listed on irs.gov/payments — do not pay through a third-party website that claims to represent the IRS.

What if my payment does not show up in my account?

Check your confirmation number first. If you have it, the payment was submitted successfully and will post within one business day. If it does not appear after two business days, contact the IRS with your confirmation number. If you do not have a confirmation number, the payment may not have gone through — try again or call 1-800-829-1040.