The IRS gives you several ways to pay, and the method you choose affects how fast the money reaches them and what proof you get back

You can pay the IRS online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a bank or retail location. Online payment is fastest and gives you a confirmation number when ready. Phone payment takes a few minutes and works if you prefer speaking to someone. Mail and in-person payments take longer to process but work if you do not have internet access or prefer a paper trail.

The IRS does not charge a fee for paying online through their official website or by phone through their automated system. Third-party payment processors — companies that handle the transaction for you — do charge fees, usually between 1.87% and 2.5% of what you pay. The fee is separate from your tax bill, so if you owe $5,000 and pay through a processor, you might pay an extra $94 to $125.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS website (IRS.gov) has a "Make a Payment" page where you can pay online for free using a bank account or debit card, or through a processor if you want to use a credit card.
  • Paying online gives you a confirmation number right away, while mail and phone payments take several business days to show up in the IRS system.
  • If you cannot pay in full, you can set up a payment plan (called an installment agreement) through the same IRS payment page, which lets you pay over time with interest and penalties.
  • Third-party processors charge fees to accept credit cards, so paying directly from your bank account costs less if you have that option.

Paying online through IRS.gov

Go to IRS.gov and search for "Make a Payment" or navigate directly to the payment page. You will see options to pay as an individual, a business, or a tax professional. Select the one that matches who you are.

For individuals, you can pay through the IRS's free online system or through an approved third-party processor. The free system accepts payments from a checking or savings account only — no credit cards. You will need your Social Security number, the tax year you are paying for, and your bank routing and account numbers. The payment posts within one business day, and you get a confirmation number on screen.

If you want to pay by credit card, you must use a third-party processor. The IRS lists approved processors on their payment page. Each processor charges a different fee and may offer different payment methods (some accept Apple Pay or Google Pay, for example). The processor will tell you the fee before you confirm the payment.

Paying by phone

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). An automated system will walk you through payment options. You can pay from a checking or savings account at no charge, or through a processor if you want to use a credit card.

Have your Social Security number, the tax year, and your bank information ready. The call takes about 10 minutes. You will receive a confirmation number by phone, and the payment posts within one business day. If you need to speak to a person instead of using the automated system, wait times can be long, especially during tax season.

Paying by mail or in person

If you pay by mail, include a check or money order made out to "United States Treasury." Write your Social Security number, the tax year, and the form you are paying for (usually 1040) on the check itself. Mail it to the address shown on your tax notice or on IRS.gov — the address depends on which state you live in.

Mail payments take 2 to 3 weeks to reach the IRS and post to your account. During that time, interest and penalties continue to accrue on any unpaid balance. Keep a copy of your check or money order for your records.

You can also pay in person at most banks and many retail locations like Walmart or CVS. The location will give you a receipt, but the payment still takes several business days to reach the IRS. This option works if you have cash and want to avoid mailing a check.

What happens if you cannot pay the full amount

If you owe money but cannot pay it all at once, you can set up a payment plan (called an installment agreement) through the same IRS payment page. A payment plan lets you pay what you owe in smaller monthly installments over time.

The IRS charges interest and a failure-to-pay penalty on any balance you do not pay by the original due date. These charges continue to grow each month until the balance is paid off. A payment plan does not stop the interest and penalties, but it prevents the IRS from taking collection action like wage garnishment or bank levy while you are making regular payments.

Short-term payment plans (120 days or less) are free to set up. Long-term plans (more than 120 days) charge a setup fee, usually between $31 and $225 depending on how you set it up. If you set up the plan online, the fee is lower than if you set it up by phone or mail.

Keeping track of your payment

Save your confirmation number — it is your proof that you paid. If you pay online or by phone, write down the confirmation number, the date, and the amount. If you pay by mail or in person, keep your receipt or a copy of the check.

Payments can take several business days to show up in the IRS system, especially if you pay by mail. During that time, if the IRS sends you a notice saying you still owe money, do not panic — the payment is likely still processing. You can check the status of your payment on IRS.gov using your confirmation number, or call 1-800-829-1040 to verify.

If you paid by check and the check was lost or never cashed, the IRS will eventually send you a notice. Contact them with your check number and the date you mailed it, and they can help you trace it or issue a refund so you can pay again.

Paying for someone else or paying a tax debt from a prior year

You can pay someone else's tax bill if you have their permission and their Social Security number or tax ID. On the IRS payment page, you will enter their information instead of your own. The payment goes toward their account, not yours.

If you are paying a tax bill from a year other than the current one, you still use the same payment methods. Make sure you specify which tax year the payment is for — the IRS will not automatically explore it to the right year if you do not tell them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the IRS with a credit card without paying a fee?

No. The IRS does not accept credit cards directly. If you want to pay by credit card, you must use a third-party processor, which charges a fee. Paying directly from a bank account through IRS.gov or by phone is free.

How long does it take for the IRS to receive my payment?

Online and phone payments post within one business day. Mail payments take 2 to 3 weeks. In-person payments at banks or retail locations take several business days. Interest and penalties continue to accrue during this time, so paying sooner is better if you can.

What if I made a mistake on my payment or paid the wrong amount?

If you overpaid, the IRS will send you a refund or explore the extra money to a future tax bill. If you underpaid, they will send you a notice with the remaining balance due. Contact the IRS with your confirmation number if you need to correct the payment.

Can I set up a payment plan if I already owe penalties and interest?

Yes. A payment plan covers the original tax bill plus any penalties and interest that have accrued. Interest and penalties continue to grow while you are on the plan, but the plan prevents the IRS from taking collection action as long as you make your monthly payments on time.

Is there a limit to how much I can pay at one time?

No. You can pay any amount, from a small portion of what you owe to the full balance. If you are paying through a third-party processor, check their website for any limits they may have, as some processors have daily or transaction limits.