What you need to log in to pay the IRS online
The IRS does not have a single login page where you enter your Social Security number and password. Instead, you create an account on IRS.gov using a third-party service called Login.gov, which is run by the federal government but separate from the IRS itself. Once you have a Login.gov account, you can access IRS tools including the payment system.
You will need a valid email address and a phone number to set up Login.gov. The IRS also offers a second verification method called IRS Online Account, which requires your Social Security number, filing status, and the adjusted gross income (AGI) from your most recent tax return. Both routes lead to the same payment system.
If you do not want to create an account at all, you can pay the IRS without logging in by using a payment processor like the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), a credit or debit card processor, or a bank transfer through your own financial institution. These routes do not require you to verify your identity through Login.gov.
Key Takeaways
- You log in through Login.gov, not directly through the IRS, and you will need an email address and phone number to create your account.
- The IRS Online Account method requires your Social Security number, filing status, and AGI from your last return to verify your identity.
- Once logged in, you can view your account balance, payment history, and payment options all in one place.
- You can pay without logging in by using EFTPS, a credit card processor, or your bank's bill pay system.
- Login.gov accounts are free and take about 10 minutes to set up, but you must be able to receive a text or call to complete verification.
Setting up your Login.gov account step by step
Go to Login.gov and click "Sign up" at the top of the page. Enter your email address and create a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Login.gov will send you a confirmation email — click the link in that email within 24 hours.
Next, you will choose how to verify your identity. The fastest method is to enter your phone number and receive a one-time code by text or call. Enter that code to confirm. You can also verify by uploading a photo of your driver's license or passport, but this takes longer because a person reviews it.
Once your account is verified, you are done setting up Login.gov. You do not need to do anything else on that site. Now go to IRS.gov, find the "View Your Tax Account" link (usually in the "Tools" or "Payments" section), and click "Log in with Login.gov." Enter your Login.gov email and password. You are now in your IRS account.
Using the IRS Online Account method instead
If you prefer not to use Login.gov, the IRS offers a second way to verify your identity called IRS Online Account. This method does not require a phone number, but it does require you to know your AGI from your most recent return.
Go to IRS.gov and select "View Your Tax Account." Choose "IRS Online Account" instead of Login.gov. The system will ask for your Social Security number, filing status, and AGI. If the information matches IRS records, you will be logged in when ready. This method is faster than Login.gov if you already know your AGI, but you cannot use it if you have not filed a return yet or if you do not remember your AGI.
Both methods take you to the same account dashboard. The choice between them is personal — use whichever one you find easier to set up.
What you can do once you are logged in
After you log in, you will see your account balance, which shows how much you owe to the IRS (if anything). You will also see a payment history showing all payments you have made in the past, the dates they were processed, and the amounts. This history is useful if you need to confirm that a payment went through.
To make a payment, look for a button or link that says "Make a Payment" or "Pay Now." The system will ask you to choose a payment method — usually a bank account (ACH transfer), a credit card, or a debit card. If you pay by bank account, there is no fee. If you pay by credit or debit card, a payment processor charges a fee, which varies by processor but is typically 1.87% to 2.35% of the amount you pay.
You will also see a section for setting up a payment plan if you cannot pay the full amount at once. The IRS offers short-term plans (120 days or fewer) and long-term installment agreements (longer than 120 days). The system will show you the monthly payment amount and any setup fees before you commit.
Paying without logging in
You do not have to create a Login.gov account or log in to the IRS website to pay. The IRS offers three ways to pay without an account: EFTPS, credit or debit card processors, and your own bank's bill pay system.
EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System) is a free service run by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. You enroll once with your Social Security number and bank account information, then you can schedule payments online or by phone. Payments typically post within one business day. You do not need to log in each time — once enrolled, you can pay by phone or online without creating an account.
If you pay by credit or debit card, you will use a third-party processor. The IRS website lists approved processors, and each one charges a fee. You enter your payment information on the processor's website, not on IRS.gov. The processor sends the payment to the IRS on your behalf.
Your bank's bill pay system lets you send a check to the IRS from your checking account. This is free, but it takes longer — typically 7 to 10 business days for the check to arrive and be processed. Use this method only if you are not in a hurry.
Common problems and what to do
If you forget your Login.gov password, click "Forgot password?" on the Login.gov sign-in page and follow the prompts. You will receive an email with a reset link. If you do not receive the email, check your spam folder or wait a few minutes and try again.
If the IRS Online Account method tells you that your information does not match, it usually means your AGI is wrong or your filing status does not match what the IRS has on file. Double-check your most recent tax return. If you still cannot log in, use Login.gov instead, which does not require your AGI.
If you see an error message after you submit your payment information, write down the error code and the exact message. Do not submit the payment again — wait a few minutes and try once more. If the error persists, try a different payment method or call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to pay by phone.
If you paid by credit or debit card and the payment shows as pending, it usually takes one to three business days to post to your IRS account. Do not make a second payment. Check your account again in a few days.
Security and protecting your information
Login.gov uses encryption and two-factor verification to protect your account. This means your password alone is not enough to log in — you also need access to your phone or email to receive a verification code. Never share your Login.gov password or verification codes with anyone, including IRS staff. The IRS will never ask for your password.
When you log in, make sure you are on the real IRS.gov website, not a fake site. Scammers sometimes create websites that look like IRS.gov to steal login information. Check the web address — it should start with "https://" (the "s" means it is find) and say "irs.gov" in the address bar. If you are unsure, go directly to IRS.gov by typing it into your browser instead of clicking a link in an email.
If you receive an email claiming to be from the IRS and asking you to log in or verify your information, do not click any links. The IRS does not send unsolicited emails asking you to log in. Forward the email to phishing@irs.gov and delete it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to create a Login.gov account to pay the IRS?
No. You can pay through EFTPS, a credit card processor, or your bank's bill pay system without logging in. Login.gov is only necessary if you want to view your account balance and payment history on IRS.gov.
What if I do not have a phone number to verify my Login.gov account?
You can verify your identity by uploading a photo of your driver's license or passport instead. This takes longer because a person reviews it, but it does not require a phone. Alternatively, use the IRS Online Account method, which requires your AGI but not a phone number.
Can I pay the IRS through my bank's bill pay system?
Yes. Your bank can send a check to the IRS on your behalf. This is free but takes 7 to 10 business days. Use this method only if you do not need the payment to post quickly.
What happens if I pay by credit card and the payment fails?
If you see an error message, do not submit the payment again. Wait a few minutes and try once more. If it fails again, try a different payment method or call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to pay by phone. Check your credit card statement to make sure you were not charged.
Is it safe to pay the IRS with my bank account information?
Yes. EFTPS and the IRS payment system use encryption to protect your bank account information. The IRS does not store your full account number — it only stores enough information to process the payment. Never share your full account number in an email or over the phone unless you initiated the call to the IRS.