The IRS offers several ways to pay what you owe, depending on whether you can pay in full right away or need to spread payments over time
If you owe federal income taxes, the IRS accepts payment through multiple channels: online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a bank or IRS office. The method you choose depends on how much you owe, how quickly you want to pay, and whether you need a payment plan. Paying online or by phone is fastest and gives you when ready confirmation. Mailing a check takes longer but requires no technology. If you cannot pay the full amount now, you can set up a payment plan — either short-term (120 days or fewer) or long-term (installment agreement) — that lets you pay over months or years.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay the IRS online at IRS.gov, by phone at 1-800-829-1040, by mail with a check or money order, or through a bank or authorized payment processor.
- Online and phone payments process when ready and provide a confirmation number; mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days to post to your account.
- If you cannot pay in full, a short-term payment plan covers 120 days or fewer with no setup fee, while a long-term installment agreement spreads payments over months or years and requires a setup fee.
- The IRS charges interest and penalties on unpaid taxes, so setting up a payment plan stops additional penalties from accruing as long as you make on-time payments.
Paying in full when ready
The fastest way to pay is online through the IRS website at IRS.gov. Go to the payments section and select your payment method — debit card, credit card, or electronic bank transfer (ACH). You will need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, your filing status, and the tax year you are paying for. The system will show you any fees charged by the payment processor (credit card payments typically carry a fee; bank transfers usually do not). You receive a confirmation number when ready.
If you prefer to pay by phone, call 1-800-829-1040 during business hours. A representative will take your payment information over the phone using the same methods available online. Mailing a check or money order is also an option: write your Social Security number, filing status, and tax year on the check, include Form 1040-V (the payment voucher), and mail it to the address shown on your tax notice. Mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days to appear on your account.
You can also pay in person at a bank or through an authorized payment processor. Some banks accept IRS payments at the teller window. The IRS website lists approved payment processors by state if you want to pay this way.
Setting up a short-term payment plan
A short-term payment plan covers payment periods of 120 days or fewer. This option has no setup fee and no interest rate beyond what the IRS already charges on unpaid taxes. You request the plan online, by phone, or by mail, and the IRS will tell you the payment amount and due dates. This plan is useful if you expect to have the money within a few months but need a little time to gather it.
To request a short-term plan online, go to IRS.gov and use the Online Payment Agreement tool. By phone, call 1-800-829-1040. By mail, send Form 9465 (Installment Agreement Request) to the address on your tax notice. The IRS will respond within a few weeks with your payment schedule.
Setting up a long-term installment agreement
A long-term installment agreement spreads your tax debt over months or years. The IRS charges a setup fee (typically $31 to $225 depending on how you set it up and your income level) and continues to charge interest and penalties on the unpaid balance each month. The longer your agreement, the more interest you will pay overall, but your monthly payment will be smaller.
You can set up an installment agreement online through the IRS website using the Online Payment Agreement tool, which is the cheapest option and has the lowest setup fee. You can also request one by phone at 1-800-829-1040 or by mail using Form 9465. The IRS will calculate your monthly payment based on how much you owe and how long you want to take to pay it. Once approved, you make monthly payments on the date you choose. If you miss a payment, the agreement can be terminated and the full remaining balance becomes due.
What happens if you cannot pay at all right now
If you have no money to pay right now, you can request a delay in collection action. This is called a Currently Not Collectible status. You still owe the debt, and interest and penalties continue to accrue, but the IRS will pause collection efforts for a period of time. You must still file your tax return each year, and if you receive a refund, the IRS will take it to pay down your debt.
To request Currently Not Collectible status, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and explain your financial situation. The IRS will review your income and expenses. This status is temporary — the IRS will check your situation periodically to see if you can resume payments. The debt does not go away; it straightforward pauses collection action while you work on your finances.
Payment methods and processing times
| Payment Method | Processing Time | Fees | Confirmation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (IRS.gov) | when ready | None (processor fees vary by card/bank) | Confirmation number on screen |
| Phone (1-800-829-1040) | when ready | None (processor fees vary by card/bank) | Confirmation number by phone |
| Mail (check or money order) | 7 to 10 business days | None | Mailed receipt (allow 4 weeks) |
| Bank or processor in person | Same day to 2 business days | Varies by institution | Receipt at time of payment |
Interest and penalties while you pay
The IRS charges interest on unpaid taxes from the due date of your return until you pay in full. The interest rate changes quarterly and is set by federal law. On top of interest, the IRS charges a failure-to-pay penalty of 0.5% per month on the unpaid balance (up to 25% total). If you set up a payment plan and make all payments on time, the failure-to-pay penalty stops accruing — only interest continues.
This is why setting up a plan matters even if you cannot pay much each month: as long as you are making agreed payments, you stop the penalty from growing. If you miss a payment on your plan, the penalty can restart. The IRS will notify you if this happens and give you a chance to catch up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay the IRS with a credit card?
Yes, you can pay with a credit card online or by phone. The IRS does not charge a fee, but the payment processor does — typically 1.87% to 2.35% of the amount you pay. You can see the exact fee before you complete the payment. Some people use this option to earn credit card rewards, though the processor fee usually outweighs the benefit.
What if I cannot make my installment agreement payment one month?
Contact the IRS when ready at 1-800-829-1040 to explain the situation. Missing a payment can terminate your agreement and make the full remaining balance due. The IRS may allow you to catch up or modify your agreement if you have a legitimate hardship. The sooner you call, the more options you have.
Do I have to pay penalties and interest, or just the tax itself?
You owe the tax, plus interest and penalties. These are separate from the tax amount and continue to grow until you pay in full. Interest is set by law and cannot be waived. Penalties can sometimes be reduced if you have a reasonable cause for late payment — the IRS will review your situation if you request it in writing.
How long does an installment agreement last?
It depends on how much you owe and what you can afford to pay monthly. Agreements typically last anywhere from a few months to six years. The IRS calculates the term based on your income and expenses. Longer agreements mean smaller monthly payments but more total interest paid over time.
Can I change my payment plan after it starts?
Yes. You can modify your installment agreement online through the IRS website, by phone, or by mail. You might increase your payment if you come into extra money, or request a lower payment if your financial situation changes. The IRS will review your request and let you know if the change is possible.