How to Pay the IRS Online, by Phone, or Mail

The IRS has multiple payment methods, each with different processing times and fees

The IRS operates IRS Direct Pay, a free online payment tool where you enter your tax information and bank account details to send money straight from your checking or savings account. You can also pay through the IRS's approved payment processors — companies like PayPal, Stripe, and others — which charge a convenience fee (usually 1.87% to 2.49% of the amount you pay). A third option is to pay by phone through an IRS representative or an automated system. Mail and in-person payments at an IRS office are also possible but take longer to process.

Which method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment posted, whether you want to avoid fees, and what information you have ready. Someone paying a small amount might use IRS Direct Pay to avoid fees entirely. Someone who needs a record of payment when ready might use a payment processor and accept the fee for the receipt. Someone without internet access might call or mail a check.

Key Takeaways

IRS Direct Pay is free and processes payments in one to two business days if you submit before 8 p.m. Eastern time on a business day.
Payment processors charge a fee (typically 1.87% to 2.49%) but give you a confirmation number when ready and work on weekends and holidays.
Phone payments require you to speak with an IRS representative or use an automated system, and the IRS charges no fee for this method.
Mail and in-person payments take the longest — typically two to four weeks — because the IRS must receive and process the physical check or money order.
You will need your Social Security number or employer identification number, tax year, and the amount you owe to pay through any method.

IRS Direct Pay: free but slower

IRS Direct Pay is the only payment method the IRS itself operates without charging a fee. You go to IRS.gov/payments, enter your tax information (Social Security number or EIN, tax year, and amount owed), and link your bank account. The IRS then withdraws the money directly from your checking or savings account.

Payments submitted before 8 p.m. Eastern time on a business day post within one to two business days. If you submit on a weekend or holiday, the IRS processes it on the next business day. You receive a confirmation number when ready, but you cannot see the payment reflected in your account for a day or two. IRS Direct Pay works for federal income tax, estimated tax payments, and other tax types, but not for state taxes.

The main drawback is the wait. If you owe money and the IRS has already filed a notice of intent to levy (meaning they plan to seize your bank account or wages), you may need a faster confirmation. In that case, a payment processor that gives you an when ready receipt might be worth the fee.

Payment processors: faster confirmation, with a fee

The IRS has approved several payment processors to handle tax payments on its behalf. These include PayPal, Stripe, Amazon Pay, and others. Each charges a convenience fee — the amount varies by processor but typically falls between 1.87% and 2.49% of your payment. For example, paying $5,000 through a processor charging 2% would cost you $100 in fees on top of the $5,000.

The advantage is speed and proof. When you pay through a processor, you receive a confirmation number and receipt when ready, even if you pay on a Saturday or Sunday. The processor then sends the money to the IRS, which posts it within one to three business days. If you need to show proof of payment right away — for example, to stop a wage garnishment or to show a creditor you are addressing the debt — a processor gives you that when ready.

You can find the full list of approved processors on IRS.gov. Each processor's website has a link to the IRS payment portal. You enter your tax information the same way you would with IRS Direct Pay, but the processor collects the fee before sending the payment to the IRS.

Phone payments: no fee, but requires speaking with someone

You can pay the IRS by phone in two ways. The first is to call an IRS representative at 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (typically 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern, Monday through Friday). The representative takes your payment information over the phone and processes the payment while you are on the line. There is no fee for this method.

The second is to use the IRS's automated phone payment system. You call the same number and select the option to pay by phone without speaking to a representative. The automated system walks you through entering your information using your phone keypad. This also has no fee and works outside normal business hours.

Both methods require your Social Security number or EIN, the tax year, and your bank account information. The IRS processes phone payments within one to three business days. You receive a confirmation number during the call, which you should write down or ask the representative to email to you.

Mail and in-person payments: slowest but no technology required

You can mail a check or money order to the IRS address listed on your tax notice or on IRS.gov. Write your Social Security number or EIN and the tax year on the check or money order. Include a copy of your tax notice if you have one. Mail payments typically take two to four weeks to reach the IRS and be posted to your account, depending on mail delivery time and IRS processing volume.

Some IRS offices accept in-person payments by check, money order, or debit card during walk-in hours. You can find your local IRS office on IRS.gov and call ahead to confirm they accept payments and what hours they are open. In-person payments are posted faster than mail — usually within one to two business days — but this method is only practical if you live near an IRS office.

The main risk with mail is that you have no proof the IRS received your payment until it appears in your account. If the check is lost in the mail, the IRS will not know you sent it. For this reason, mail is best used only when you have time to wait and are not under pressure from a collection notice.

Payment plans and installment agreements

If you cannot pay the full amount you owe, you may be able to set up a payment plan with the IRS. A short-term payment plan lets you pay within 180 days with no setup fee. A long-term installment agreement spreads payments over months or years and requires a setup fee (typically $31 to $225, depending on the method you use to set it up).

You can request a payment plan through IRS.gov, by phone, or by mail. The IRS will tell you the monthly amount due and when payments are due. Once you have a payment plan in place, you still use one of the payment methods above (IRS Direct Pay, a processor, phone, or mail) to make each monthly payment.

What information you need before you pay

No matter which payment method you choose, have the following ready: your Social Security number or employer identification number, the tax year you are paying for, and the exact amount you owe. If you are paying through a processor or by phone, you will also need your bank account number and routing number (for checking or savings accounts) or your debit card number.

If you received a tax notice from the IRS, have that in front of you. It shows the amount due and any important date. If you are making an estimated tax payment (quarterly payments if you are self-employed or have income not subject to withholding), you will need to know which quarter you are paying for.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my payment went through?

IRS Direct Pay and phone payments give you a confirmation number when ready. Payment processors give you a receipt and confirmation number right away. For mail payments, check your IRS account on IRS.gov after two to four weeks — your payment will show there once it is posted. You can also call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to confirm receipt.

Can I pay state taxes through the IRS payment site?

No. IRS.gov and its payment methods handle only federal taxes. To pay state income tax, you must go to your state's tax agency website. Each state operates its own payment system with its own methods and fees.

What if I pay more than I owe?

If you overpay, the IRS will either refund the excess or explore it to a future tax year, depending on what you request. You can specify this choice when you make the payment through most methods. If you do not specify, the IRS typically applies the overpayment to the next tax year.

Is there a maximum amount I can pay online?

IRS Direct Pay has no stated maximum, but some payment processors limit individual transactions to $100,000 or more. If you are paying a very large amount, check with your chosen processor first or call the IRS to discuss options.

Can I schedule a payment for a future date?

Yes. IRS Direct Pay and most payment processors let you schedule a payment up to 365 days in advance. This is useful if you want to may support payment is made on a specific date or if you are setting up a payment plan. You still receive a confirmation number when you schedule it, even though the money does not leave your account until the scheduled date.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.