How to Pay Your IRS Bill Online

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

You can pay an IRS bill online through IRS Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or a credit or debit card processed by an IRS-approved payment processor. Each method connects directly to your IRS account and posts to your balance within one to two business days. You do not need to create a separate account for Direct Pay or use a card processor — the choice depends on which method you already use or prefer.

The fastest route is usually IRS Direct Pay if you have a bank account, because it is free and the IRS processes it when ready. If you do not have a bank account or prefer to use a card, the card payment option works but charges a convenience fee of roughly 1.87% to 2.35% of your payment, depending on the processor you choose.

Key Takeaways

• IRS Direct Pay is free and works from any computer or phone if you have a U.S. bank account, routing number, and account number.
• EFTPS requires advance registration but lets you schedule payments up to 120 days in advance and works for both individual and business taxes.
• Credit and debit card payments charge a convenience fee (roughly 1.87% to 2.35%) but do not require a bank account.
• All three methods post to your IRS account within one to two business days, so plan ahead if you have a payment important date.
• You will need your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number, your tax year, and the amount you owe before you start.

IRS Direct Pay: The free option if you have a bank account

IRS Direct Pay is the fastest and cheapest way to pay online. You go to the IRS website, enter your bank account and routing number, and the payment is deducted directly from your checking or savings account. There is no fee, no registration required in advance, and no waiting period — you can pay the same day you log in.

To use Direct Pay, you need a U.S. bank account, your routing number and account number, your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number, your tax year, and the amount you owe. The IRS will ask you to confirm your address and filing status. You can pay up to $100,000 per transaction, and you can make multiple payments if you owe more than that.

Direct Pay posts within one business day. If you have a payment important date — such as a tax return due date or a notice important date — pay at least two business days before the important date to be safe. The IRS considers a payment on time if it is submitted before midnight Eastern Time on the due date, but bank processing delays can push the actual deduction to the next day.

EFTPS: The option if you want to schedule payments in advance

The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) is a free IRS payment method that requires you to register in advance. Once you are registered, you can schedule a payment up to 120 days ahead of time. This is useful if you know you will owe money but do not have the funds yet, or if you want to set up a payment plan where you pay the same amount on the same day each month.

To register for EFTPS, you go to the EFTPS website and provide your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number, your business name (if applicable), and your address. The IRS mails you an enrollment confirmation with a Personal Identification Number (PIN) within two weeks. You use that PIN to log in and schedule your payments.

EFTPS works with any U.S. bank account and charges no fee. Like Direct Pay, payments post within one business day. EFTPS is often used by businesses and self-employed people who make quarterly estimated tax payments, but anyone with a bank account can use it.

Credit and debit card payments: The option if you do not have a bank account

If you do not have a bank account, or if you prefer to use a credit or debit card, you can pay through one of the IRS-approved payment processors: Authorize.Net, Paymetrics, or WorldPay. Each processor charges a convenience fee that varies slightly — typically between 1.87% and 2.35% of your payment amount. For example, a $5,000 payment would cost roughly $94 to $118 in fees.

You do not need to register in advance. You go to the IRS website, select the processor you want to use, and enter your card information and billing address. The payment posts within one to two business days. The convenience fee is charged by the processor, not the IRS, and appears as a separate charge on your card statement.

Card payments are useful if you want to earn rewards points or cash back on the payment, or if you do not have access to a bank account. However, the fee makes this option more expensive than Direct Pay or EFTPS, so use it only if the other methods are not available to you.

What information you need before you start

Gather these details before you log in to any payment method. You will need your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number, the tax year the bill is for, the amount you owe, and your mailing address as it appears on your tax return. If you are paying by bank account (Direct Pay or EFTPS), you also need your routing number and account number — you can find these on the bottom left of any check from that account.

If you are paying a bill from a notice the IRS sent you, have the notice in front of you. The notice shows the exact amount due and the important date. If you are paying a balance from your tax return, log into your IRS account first to confirm the amount — the IRS sometimes applies payments or adjustments after you file, so the amount you owe may be different from what you calculated.

How long payment takes and what to do if you miss a important date

All three online methods (Direct Pay, EFTPS, and card payment) post to your IRS account within one to two business days. The IRS considers your payment on time if you submit it before midnight Eastern Time on the due date, even if the bank does not deduct the money until the next day. However, if you are cutting it close to a important date, pay at least two business days early to account for any delays.

If you miss a important date and owe a penalty or interest, you can still pay online using any of these methods. The IRS will calculate the penalty and interest and add it to your balance. If you cannot pay the full amount by the important date, you can set up a payment plan through the IRS website or by calling 1-800-829-1040. A payment plan lets you pay over time without filing a separate form.

Common mistakes to avoid when paying online

The most common mistake is entering the wrong bank account or routing number. Double-check both numbers against a check or your bank statement before you submit the payment. If you enter the wrong account, the payment will be rejected and you will have to start over — it will not go through to the wrong account.

Another mistake is paying the wrong tax year. The IRS asks you to select the tax year when you start the payment, so make sure you are paying the bill for the year listed on your notice or your account. If you pay the wrong year, the IRS will credit the payment to that year and you will still owe on the correct year.

A third mistake is not keeping a record of your payment. After you submit the payment, write down the confirmation number the IRS gives you, the date you paid, the amount, and the payment method. Keep this information for your records. If the IRS ever says you did not pay, you can show them the confirmation number and they can look up the payment in their system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my IRS bill online if I do not have a Social Security Number?

No. All three online payment methods require either a Social Security Number or an Employer Identification Number. If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, you will need to pay by mail or phone. Call 1-800-829-1040 to pay by phone with a debit card.

What if I pay online but the IRS says I still owe money?

This usually means the IRS applied interest and penalties after you calculated what you owed. Log into your IRS account to see the current balance, which includes any interest and penalties added since your notice was sent. You can pay the updated amount online using any of the three methods.

Can I use someone else's bank account to pay my IRS bill?

Yes, but only if the account holder gives you permission and you have their routing number and account number. The payment will be deducted from their account, so make sure they know and agree. The payment will still be credited to your IRS account based on your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number.

Do I get a receipt when I pay online?

Yes. After you submit the payment, the IRS gives you a confirmation number on the screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. You can also log into your IRS account a few days later to see the payment listed in your payment history. Keep the confirmation number in case you need to prove you paid.

What if I want to pay only part of what I owe?

You can pay any amount you want, even if it is less than the full balance. The IRS will credit the payment to your account and you will still owe the remaining balance plus any interest and penalties that accrue. If you cannot pay the full amount, consider setting up a payment plan so you do not fall further behind on interest.