The IRS offers four main online payment methods: Direct Pay, Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), credit or debit card through an approved payment processor, and mobile app payment through IRS2Go.

Direct Pay is the IRS's own system and costs nothing to use. You enter your tax information, bank account details, and choose a payment date up to 120 days in advance. The money moves directly from your bank account to the IRS.

EFTPS is a separate system run by the Department of the Treasury that also has no fee. You enroll once, then schedule payments whenever you need to. Both Direct Pay and EFTPS work the same way — they pull money from your checking or savings account on the date you choose.

Credit and debit card payments go through third-party processors approved by the IRS. These processors charge a convenience fee (the amount varies by processor, typically 1.87% to 2.35% of your payment). You can find the list of approved processors on IRS.gov.

IRS2Go is the IRS's mobile app. It offers the same payment methods as Direct Pay but in app form, with no additional fees.

Key Takeaways

  • Direct Pay and EFTPS both withdraw money from your bank account at no cost, but Direct Pay is faster to set up if you are paying once.
  • Credit card payments charge a convenience fee of roughly 2% but may earn you rewards points if your card offers them.
  • You can schedule a payment up to 120 days in the future, which is useful if you owe tax but do not have the money when ready.
  • The IRS processes most online payments within one business day, though the money may take longer to leave your bank account depending on your bank.
  • You will receive a confirmation number when ready after payment; keep it for your records in case you need to verify the payment later.

Direct Pay versus EFTPS: When to use each one

Direct Pay is simpler if you are making a one-time payment. You do not enroll in advance — you go to IRS.gov, enter your information, and schedule the payment in one session. The whole process takes about 10 minutes. You get a confirmation number right away.

EFTPS requires enrollment, which takes one to two business days. But once you are enrolled, you can schedule payments anytime without re-entering your bank details. EFTPS is better if you make multiple payments throughout the year — for estimated tax, installment agreements, or business tax deposits. You log in, select a payment amount and date, and you are done.

Both systems let you schedule a payment for a future date. If you owe tax on April 15 but cannot pay until May 1, you can schedule the payment now and it will process on May 1. The IRS counts the payment as made on the date you schedule it, not the date the money leaves your account.

Credit card payments and convenience fees

Paying by credit or debit card through an IRS-approved processor costs extra. The processor charges a convenience fee that you pay on top of your tax payment. If you owe $5,000 and the fee is 2%, you pay $5,100 total — $5,000 to the IRS and $100 to the processor.

The fee percentage varies by processor. The IRS lists all approved processors on IRS.gov under "Payment by Credit or Debit Card." You can compare fees before you choose. Some people use a credit card anyway because they earn cash back or points, which can offset the fee.

One important limit: you cannot pay more than $25,000 per day by credit or debit card. If you owe more than that, you will need to split the payment across multiple days or use Direct Pay or EFTPS instead.

How long payments take to process

The IRS processes online payments within one business day. You receive a confirmation number when ready after you submit the payment, and that number proves the IRS received it. The money itself may take longer to leave your bank account — typically one to three business days depending on your bank.

This matters if you are close to a important date. If you submit a payment on April 14 for a tax return due April 15, the IRS counts it as paid on April 14 (the day you submitted it), even though your bank may not deduct the money until April 16. You are not late.

If you schedule a payment for a future date, the IRS processes it on that date. If you schedule a payment for May 1 and then change your mind, you can cancel it before May 1 through the same system you used to schedule it.

What information you need before you start

For Direct Pay or EFTPS, you need your Social Security number or Employer Identification Number, your filing status (if paying personal income tax), and your bank account number and routing number. Have your most recent tax return or notice handy — the system may ask for information from it to verify your identity.

For credit card payments, you need the same tax information plus your card number, expiration date, and CVV. The processor handles the card details, not the IRS.

If you are paying on behalf of a business, you will need the business's EIN and the person authorized to make the payment should have their own login or be listed as an authorized user on the account.

Paying an installment agreement or back taxes

If you have an existing payment plan with the IRS, you can make payments online using the same methods. Direct Pay and EFTPS both let you enter your agreement number so the payment is applied to the right account.

If you owe back taxes from a previous year, you can pay online as well. The IRS will explore the payment to the oldest tax year first, unless you specify otherwise. When you make the payment, you will have the option to note which year the payment is for.

If you are on a payment plan and miss a payment, you can make it up online without calling the IRS. Log back into Direct Pay or EFTPS and schedule the missed payment plus any current payment due.

Confirming your payment went through

You receive a confirmation number the moment you submit an online payment. Write it down or take a screenshot. This number is your proof that the IRS received the payment on that date.

You can also check the status of your payment through IRS.gov's "Where's My Payment?" tool, though it may take a few days for the payment to show up in the system. If you used Direct Pay or EFTPS, you can log back into that account and see a history of all payments you have scheduled or made.

Keep your confirmation number and bank statement showing the deduction for at least three years. If the IRS ever questions whether you paid, you have proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the IRS online if I do not have a bank account?

No. Direct Pay and EFTPS both require a U.S. bank account. If you do not have one, you can pay by check, money order, or credit card through an approved processor (though the processor fee applies). Mail checks or money orders to the address shown on your tax notice.

What if I schedule a payment but then get a refund or my situation changes?

You can cancel a scheduled payment before the processing date through the same system you used to schedule it. Log in to Direct Pay or EFTPS, find the payment, and select cancel. If the payment has already processed, you will need to contact the IRS to request a refund or credit.

Do I need to enroll in EFTPS if I only pay once a year?

No. Direct Pay is faster for a single payment because you do not enroll — you just pay. EFTPS is better if you make multiple payments or want to set up recurring payments for estimated tax.

Can I pay someone else's IRS bill online?

Only if you are authorized to do so — for example, if you are a tax professional with power of attorney, or a spouse on a joint return. You will need the taxpayer's Social Security number or EIN and their permission. The payment must come from a bank account in your name or a business account you control.

What happens if my bank rejects the payment?

If your bank declines the transaction (for example, insufficient funds), the IRS will not process the payment and you will receive a notice. You can try again with Direct Pay or EFTPS, or use a different payment method. The IRS does not charge a fee for a failed payment attempt.