You can pay the IRS directly through their official payment portal or through a third-party payment processor they approve

The IRS operates IRS Direct Pay, a free tool on their website where you enter your tax information and bank account details to send money straight to the IRS. You can also use the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), which is a separate government system that requires advance registration. A third option is to use an approved payment processor — companies like PayPal, Stripe, or your bank's bill pay service — which charge a fee but may be faster or more convenient depending on your bank.

The method you choose depends on whether you want to pay now or schedule a payment for later, whether you have a bank account, and whether you are willing to pay a processing fee. All three routes reach the IRS the same way; the difference is in speed, setup time, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • IRS Direct Pay is free, requires no advance registration, and lets you pay when ready or schedule a payment up to 120 days ahead.
  • EFTPS is also free but requires you to register at least one business day before you can make your first payment.
  • Third-party payment processors charge a fee (usually 1.87% to 2.49% of the amount) but may process faster or integrate with your existing banking app.
  • You will need your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number, your tax year, and either a bank account or credit/debit card.
  • Payments made before midnight Eastern Time are treated as received that day; payments after midnight are treated as received the next business day.

Using IRS Direct Pay (fastest for most people)

Go to irs.gov/payments and select "IRS Direct Pay" from the payment options. You do not need to create an account or log in. Enter your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number, your filing status, and the tax year for which you are paying. The system will ask whether you want to pay now or schedule the payment for a future date up to 120 days away.

Next, enter your bank account information — the routing number and account number from a check, or from your bank's website. The IRS will debit your account directly. The system confirms your payment when ready and gives you a confirmation number. Keep this number; you will need it if you contact the IRS later about this payment. The money typically leaves your account within one business day.

Direct Pay works only with a U.S. bank account. If you do not have one, or if you want to pay with a credit or debit card, you must use a third-party processor instead.

Using EFTPS (best if you make regular payments)

EFTPS is the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, a government platform separate from the IRS website. You register once at eftps.gov, and then you can make payments whenever you need to without re-entering your information each time. Registration takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number, your address, and a phone number.

EFTPS requires you to wait at least one business day after registration before making your first payment. After that, you can schedule payments up to 120 days in advance, or make same-day payments if you initiate them before 2 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day. Like Direct Pay, EFTPS is free and draws directly from your bank account.

EFTPS is most useful if you pay estimated taxes quarterly or make multiple payments throughout the year. If you are paying a one-time bill, Direct Pay is simpler because you do not have to wait for registration.

Using a third-party payment processor (when you need a credit card or faster processing)

The IRS approves several payment processors to accept credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets. These include PayPal, Stripe, Amazon Pay, and others. You can find the full list at irs.gov/payments under "Payment Processors." Each processor charges a fee — typically between 1.87% and 2.49% of the amount you pay — which is added to your payment. For example, if you pay $5,000, the fee might be $94 to $125.

The advantage is speed: some processors settle the payment to the IRS within hours rather than one business day. The disadvantage is cost. Use a processor only if you need to pay with a credit card, if your bank is not available through Direct Pay or EFTPS, or if you need the payment to reach the IRS faster than a bank transfer allows.

When you use a processor, the fee is separate from your tax payment. The IRS receives the full amount you owe; the fee comes out of your pocket. Make sure you understand the fee before you confirm the payment.

What information you need before you start

Gather these items before you log into any payment system: your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number (the nine-digit number on your business tax return); the tax year you are paying for; your filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.); and your address as it appears on your tax return.

If you are paying with a bank account, have a check handy or log into your bank's website to find your routing number and account number. If you are paying with a credit or debit card, have the card number, expiration date, and CVV ready. If you are paying through a third-party processor, you may also need to create an account with that processor first, which takes a few extra minutes.

How long the payment takes to reach the IRS

The IRS treats a payment as received on the day you submit it, as long as you submit it before midnight Eastern Time. If you submit after midnight, it is treated as received the next business day. However, the money does not always leave your bank account when ready.

With Direct Pay and EFTPS, the IRS typically debits your account within one business day. With a third-party processor, the timing depends on the processor — some settle within hours, others within one to two business days. Check the processor's website for their specific timeline.

If you are paying to avoid a penalty or interest, the date the IRS receives the payment is what matters, not the date the money leaves your account. So if you submit a payment on a Friday before midnight, the IRS treats it as received Friday, even if your bank does not debit your account until Monday.

What to do if your payment fails or you need to change it

If your payment is rejected — usually because of a bank account error or insufficient funds — the system will tell you when ready. Do not assume the payment went through if you did not receive a confirmation number. Go back and try again with corrected information, or switch to a different payment method.

If you scheduled a payment for a future date and need to cancel or change it, log back into the system you used (Direct Pay, EFTPS, or the processor) and look for an option to modify scheduled payments. You can usually cancel up until the day before the scheduled payment date. After that, you will need to contact the IRS directly to request a reversal.

Keep your confirmation number and the date you submitted the payment. If the IRS later says they did not receive it, this information helps you prove you paid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay someone else's tax bill online?

No. The payment systems require the taxpayer's Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number, and the payment must come from a bank account or card in the taxpayer's name. If you want to help someone pay their bill, they must initiate the payment themselves, or you can give them the money and let them pay online.

What if I do not have a bank account?

You cannot use Direct Pay or EFTPS without a U.S. bank account. You must use a third-party payment processor that accepts credit or debit cards. The fee will be higher, but it is the only online option available to you.

Is it safe to enter my bank account information on the IRS website?

Yes. The IRS website uses encryption and security protocols the same way your bank does. The IRS does not store your full bank account number after the payment is processed. If you are unsure whether you are on the real IRS website, type the URL directly into your browser rather than clicking a link in an email.

Can I pay my state taxes through the IRS payment system?

No. The IRS payment systems handle only federal taxes. Each state has its own payment system. Search "[your state] tax payment" or visit your state's department of revenue website to find the correct portal.

What happens if I overpay?

If you pay more than you owe, the IRS will either refund the overpayment or explore it to a future tax year. You can choose which option you prefer when you file your next return, or you can contact the IRS to request a refund of the overpayment.