The IRS gives you several ways to pay, and the method you choose depends on how much you owe and how quickly you want to settle it

You can pay the IRS by direct debit from your bank account, by credit or debit card through an authorized payment processor, by mail with a check or money order, or through the IRS Direct Pay system on their website. Each method has different fees, processing times, and requirements. The fastest and cheapest option is usually direct debit from your checking account, which costs nothing and posts within one business day. If you owe a large amount and need a payment plan instead of paying in full, you can set that up through the same channels.

The IRS does not accept cash payments at their offices or by phone. You must use one of the approved methods below, and you should have your tax return information and the amount you owe ready before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • Direct debit from your bank account is free and the fastest way to pay, posting within one business day.
  • Credit and debit card payments go through third-party processors and carry a convenience fee of roughly 2 percent.
  • Mail payments by check or money order take 7 to 10 business days to reach the IRS and must include your tax identification number.
  • If you cannot pay in full, you can set up a payment plan (called an installment agreement) through IRS Direct Pay or by phone.
  • The IRS website at irs.gov has a "Make a Payment" page that links to all approved payment methods and processors.

Paying by direct debit through IRS Direct Pay

IRS Direct Pay is the IRS's own payment system and costs nothing to use. You go to irs.gov, select "Make a Payment," and choose Direct Pay. You enter your Social Security number or employer identification number, your filing status, and the tax year for the bill you are paying. The system then asks for your bank account and routing number so it can debit the payment directly.

Direct Pay lets you schedule the payment for a future date if you want to time it with a paycheck or bank deposit. The payment posts within one business day of the date you choose. There is no fee, and the IRS does not share your banking information with anyone else. This is the method the IRS recommends if you have a bank account and know your routing number.

Paying by credit or debit card

The IRS does not accept credit or debit cards directly. Instead, you must use one of several third-party payment processors that the IRS has approved. These companies are Authorize.Net, Paymetric, and WorldPay. Each one charges a convenience fee, usually between 1.87 and 2.35 percent of the amount you pay, depending on which processor you use and whether you pay by card or electronic check.

You can find links to all three processors on the IRS "Make a Payment" page. The fee is added to your bill — if you owe $5,000 and the processor charges 2 percent, you pay $5,100 total. The payment posts within one business day. Use this method only if you do not have a bank account or if you want to earn credit card rewards and the fee is worth it to you.

Paying by mail with a check or money order

You can mail a check or money order to the IRS, but you must send it to the correct address for your region. The address depends on where you live and what type of tax return you filed. The IRS website lists all mailing addresses on the "Where to File" page, organized by state and return type.

Write your Social Security number, daytime phone number, and the tax year on the front of the check or money order. Include a copy of your tax return or the bill the IRS sent you. Mail it to the address for your region. The payment takes 7 to 10 business days to reach the IRS and post to your account. Do not mail cash. If your payment arrives after the due date, you may owe penalties and interest, so mail early if you choose this method.

Setting up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full

If you owe more than you can pay right now, you can set up an installment agreement with the IRS. This lets you pay the bill in monthly installments over time. You can set up a plan through IRS Direct Pay, through the payment processors, or by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

Short-term plans (120 days or less) have no setup fee. Long-term plans (more than 120 days) charge a setup fee that ranges from $31 to $225, depending on how you set it up and your income level. The IRS charges interest and penalties on the unpaid balance each month, so the longer you take to pay, the more you owe in total. If you set up a plan, make your payments on time or the agreement can be cancelled and the full balance becomes due immediately.

What to do if you cannot find the right payment address

The IRS mailing address depends on your state and the type of return you filed, which can be confusing. The fastest way to find the correct address is to go to irs.gov, search for "Where to File," and select your state and return type. You can also call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and ask for the mailing address for your situation.

If you are unsure whether your payment reached the IRS, you can check the status of your payment through IRS Direct Pay or by calling 1-800-829-1040. Keep a record of when you mailed the payment and any confirmation number you received. The IRS can take several weeks to post a mailed payment to your account, so do not assume it was lost if it does not show up immediately.

Payment deadlines and what happens if you miss one

Your payment is due on the date shown on your tax bill or notice. If you pay after that date, the IRS charges interest on the unpaid balance and may add failure-to-pay penalties. Interest accrues daily and is compounded. The penalty is usually 0.5 percent of the unpaid tax for each month or part of a month the tax remains unpaid, up to 25 percent total.

If you cannot pay by the due date, set up a payment plan before the deadline if possible. The IRS is more likely to work with you if you contact them before you miss the deadline than if you wait until after. You can also request a short extension of time to pay by filing Form 1127, though this does not stop interest and penalties from accruing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my IRS bill by phone?

No, you cannot pay directly by phone. You can call 1-800-829-1040 to discuss your bill or set up a payment plan, but you must make the actual payment through one of the methods listed above: Direct Pay, a payment processor, or by mail.

What if I pay too much by mistake?

If you overpay, the IRS will refund the extra amount or apply it to a future tax bill, depending on what you request. The refund takes several weeks to arrive. You can check the status of a refund on the IRS website or by calling 1-800-829-1040.

Do I need to include anything with my payment if I pay by mail?

Yes. Write your Social Security number, daytime phone number, and the tax year on the check or money order. Include a copy of your tax bill or return so the IRS knows which account to credit. Without this information, the payment may be delayed or applied to the wrong account.

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

No. You can pay any amount through Direct Pay, payment processors, or by mail. If you are paying by card through a processor, check with that processor for any limits they may have, though most do not restrict payment size.

What happens if I set up a payment plan and then miss a payment?

If you miss a payment on an installment agreement, the IRS may cancel the plan and demand full payment of the remaining balance. Contact the IRS immediately if you cannot make a scheduled payment to discuss your options.