The IRS accepts payments through multiple channels, each with different timelines and fees

You can pay the IRS online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a local IRS office. The fastest route is the IRS Direct Pay system on irs.gov, which processes payments the same day you submit them and charges no fee. If you owe taxes on a payment plan, you can also set up automatic withdrawals from your bank account. Phone and mail payments take longer — typically three to five business days — and some methods charge a convenience fee.

The method you choose depends on how soon you need the payment to post, whether you want to set up recurring payments, and whether you prefer to handle it online or through a person. Each route has different requirements for what information you need ready before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • IRS Direct Pay on irs.gov is free, processes same-day, and requires your Social Security number, tax year, and bank account information.
  • Automated phone payments through the IRS Interactive Voice Response system (1-800-829-1040) also charge no fee but take three to five business days to post.
  • Third-party payment processors approved by the IRS charge convenience fees ranging from roughly 1.87% to 2.49% of the payment amount, depending on the processor.
  • If you are on a payment plan, you can authorize automatic monthly withdrawals from your checking or savings account at no charge.
  • Mail payments should be sent to the address listed on your tax notice, and you should keep a copy of your check or money order for your records.

IRS Direct Pay: The free, same-day option

IRS Direct Pay is the fastest and least expensive way to pay if you have a bank account and access to a computer. You go to irs.gov/payments, enter your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, tax year, and the amount you owe, then authorize a one-time withdrawal from your checking or savings account. The payment posts the same day you submit it, and there is no fee.

You will need your bank's routing number and your account number. If you do not know your routing number, your bank's website or the back of a check will show it. Direct Pay works for federal income tax, self-employment tax, estimated tax payments, and payments toward a payment plan or installment agreement.

The system will give you a confirmation number when ready after you submit. Write it down or print the page — you will need it if you ever need to verify the payment with the IRS.

Phone payments and the IRS Interactive Voice Response system

You can pay by phone through the IRS Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system by calling 1-800-829-1040. The system is automated and available 24 hours a day. You will need your Social Security number, the amount you owe, and your bank account information. The payment takes three to five business days to post, and there is no fee.

If you prefer to speak with a person, you can call the same number during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time) and ask to make a payment over the phone with a representative. A representative can also answer questions about your account while you are on the call, which the automated system cannot do.

Keep the confirmation number the IVR system provides. If the payment does not appear in your account within five business days, use that number to track it down.

Third-party payment processors and convenience fees

The IRS has approved several third-party payment processors that you can use through irs.gov/payments. These include ACI Payments, Authorize.Net, PayUSA, and others. Each processor charges a convenience fee that you pay in addition to your tax bill — the fee is not deductible and does not reduce what you owe the IRS.

Convenience fees typically range from roughly 1.87% to 2.49% of the payment amount, depending on which processor you use and how you pay. For example, a $5,000 payment might cost between $93.50 and $124.50 in fees. The processor will show you the exact fee before you confirm the payment, so you can see the total cost upfront.

These processors are useful if you want to pay by credit card or debit card, since Direct Pay only accepts bank account withdrawals. Some people use credit card payments to earn rewards points, even though the fee reduces the net benefit. Others use them because they do not have a bank account or prefer not to share their account number online.

Automatic payments and installment agreements

If you have set up a payment plan with the IRS — called an installment agreement — you can authorize automatic monthly withdrawals from your bank account at no charge. This is called the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) when used for regular tax payments, or a direct debit arrangement when used for installment plans.

To set up automatic payments on a payment plan, you can do it through IRS Direct Pay, through the IRS payment processors, or by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Once it is set up, the IRS withdraws the agreed amount on the same date each month. If you need to change the amount or stop the payments, you must contact the IRS — you cannot cancel it through your bank.

Automatic payments reduce the risk that you will miss a payment and default on your agreement. They also give you one less thing to remember each month.

Mail and in-person payments

You can mail a check or money order to the IRS address listed on your tax notice or bill. Do not send cash through the mail. Include your name, address, Social Security number, daytime phone number, and the tax year on the check or money order. Mail payments typically take three to five business days to post after the IRS receives them, plus the time for mail to arrive.

If you want to pay in person, you can visit a local IRS office during business hours. Bring a photo ID and your tax notice or bill. The IRS accepts cash, checks, and money orders in person. Payments made in person post the same day, but you will need to find an office near you and travel there during their hours.

IRS office locations and hours are listed on irs.gov. Call ahead to confirm hours, since some offices have reduced schedules or may be closed for training.

What happens after you pay

Once the IRS receives your payment, it typically takes five to seven business days to post to your account. You can check the status of your payment on irs.gov using the Where's My Refund tool (if you are owed a refund) or by calling 1-800-829-1040. Have your confirmation number ready.

If you paid more than you owe, the IRS will either refund the overpayment or explore it to next year's taxes, depending on what you request. If you paid less than you owe, you may owe interest and penalties on the unpaid balance, unless you are on a payment plan.

Keep records of all payments you make — your confirmation number, the date, the amount, and the method. If there is ever a dispute about whether the IRS received your payment, these records are your proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the IRS with a credit card?

Yes, but only through a third-party payment processor, not through IRS Direct Pay. The processor charges a convenience fee of roughly 1.87% to 2.49% of the payment amount. You can find approved processors on irs.gov/payments.

What if I cannot pay the full amount I owe?

You can set up a payment plan with the IRS through an installment agreement. You pay a portion of what you owe each month until the balance is cleared. The IRS charges a setup fee and interest on the unpaid balance, but you avoid a lump-sum payment you cannot afford.

How long does it take for a payment to show up in my IRS account?

IRS Direct Pay posts the same day. Phone and mail payments take three to five business days after the IRS receives them. Third-party processors vary — check with the processor for their timeline. Mail delivery itself can add several days.

Do I need to include my tax return with my payment?

No. The IRS links payments to your account using your Social Security number. Include your name, address, Social Security number, and tax year on your check or money order so the IRS can match it to the right account, but you do not send your return with the payment.

What if I overpay by accident?

The IRS will either refund the overpayment or explore it to next year's taxes. You can request which option you prefer when you pay, or contact the IRS later to change your choice. Refunds typically take four to six weeks to arrive.