How to Send a Payment to the IRS

The fastest way to pay the IRS depends on how much you owe and when it's due

You can pay the IRS online through their official payment portal, by phone, by mail, or through your bank. The IRS website (irs.gov) lists all current payment methods and processes them the same day you submit them. Online payment is fastest and leaves a record automatically — you don't have to track a check or wait for a receipt in the mail.

If you owe a small amount and your payment deadline is soon, online or phone payment gets money to the IRS within hours. If you're setting up a payment plan because you can't pay the full amount now, the process is different and takes longer to arrange.

Key Takeaways

The IRS accepts payments online at irs.gov, by phone at 1-800-829-1040, by mail, or through your bank's bill pay system.
Online payments process the same day and show up in your IRS account immediately, so you have proof right away.
If you can't pay in full, you can request a payment plan (called an installment agreement) that lets you pay over time with interest and penalties added.
Payments made by mail take 7 to 10 business days to reach the IRS, so mail earlier if your deadline is close.
The IRS charges a fee for online payments and for setting up a payment plan, but the fee is usually less than the penalty for not paying at all.

Paying online through the IRS website

Go to irs.gov and look for "Online Payment Options" or "Make a Payment." The IRS runs its own payment system called Direct Pay, which is free and doesn't require you to enter a credit card. You'll need your Social Security number or employer ID number, your filing status, and the exact amount you owe. The payment posts to your account the same day.

If you prefer to use a credit or debit card, the IRS allows that through third-party payment processors. These processors charge a fee (usually 1.87% to 2.35% of the amount you're paying), but the fee is tax-deductible. The payment still processes the same day.

Before you pay online, have your most recent tax return or notice handy so you can confirm the amount owed. If you're not sure what you owe, log into your IRS account at irs.gov/account to see your balance.

Paying by phone or through your bank

You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to pay by phone using a debit or credit card. A representative will walk you through the payment and give you a confirmation number on the spot. This method works if you prefer speaking to someone or if you have questions about what you owe.

Your bank's bill pay system can also send a check to the IRS on your behalf. This is free but slower — the check takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive. Use this method only if your payment deadline is at least two weeks away. When you set up the payment, make the check payable to "U.S. Treasury" and include your Social Security number and tax year on the check itself.

Mailing a check or money order

If you mail a payment, write a check or money order payable to "U.S. Treasury." On the front of the check, write your Social Security number, the tax year, and the form type (for example, "1040" for an individual income tax return). Include a note with your name, address, phone number, and the amount you're paying.

Mail your payment to the address listed on your tax notice or on irs.gov — the address changes by state and by form type. Mail at least 10 business days before your deadline to make sure it arrives on time. The IRS considers a payment received on the date it's postmarked, not the date it arrives, so keep your receipt from the post office.

Setting up a payment plan if you can't pay in full

If you owe more than you can pay right now, you can request an installment agreement that lets you pay over time. The IRS charges a setup fee (usually $31 to $225 depending on the method you use to set it up) and interest on the unpaid balance. You'll also owe penalties that keep growing until the debt is paid.

You can request a payment plan online at irs.gov, by phone at 1-800-829-1040, or by mail. Online is fastest — you can set up a short-term plan (120 days or less) immediately without talking to anyone. For longer payment plans, you'll need to provide information about your income and expenses so the IRS can determine what you can afford to pay each month.

Once your plan is approved, the IRS will send you a notice with your monthly payment amount and due date. You can change your payment method later if needed, and you can pay off the plan early without penalty.

What happens if you miss a payment deadline

If your payment is late, the IRS adds a failure-to-pay penalty (usually 0.5% of what you owe per month) and interest (currently around 8% per year, but this changes quarterly). These charges keep growing until you pay. The sooner you pay, even if it's late, the less interest and penalty you'll owe.

If you can't pay by the deadline, contact the IRS before the date passes. You can request a short extension (usually 120 days) to pay without penalty, or you can ask about a payment plan. Calling 1-800-829-1040 or logging into your IRS account to request an extension takes only a few minutes and can save you money in penalties.

Keeping track of your payment

After you pay online or by phone, write down your confirmation number and the date. Log into your IRS account at irs.gov/account a few days later to confirm the payment posted. Your account will show the payment date, amount, and your new balance.

If you mailed a check, keep your post office receipt. The IRS processes mail payments slowly — it can take 4 to 6 weeks for a mailed payment to show up in your account. If your payment doesn't appear within 6 weeks, call 1-800-829-1040 with your receipt and confirmation number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the IRS with a credit card?

Yes, but only through a third-party payment processor, not directly through the IRS. The processor charges a fee of 1.87% to 2.35% of the amount you pay. Direct Pay (the IRS's free method) only accepts debit cards or bank transfers.

What if I don't know exactly how much I owe?

Log into your IRS account at irs.gov/account to see your balance. If you don't have an account, call 1-800-829-1040 and a representative will tell you the exact amount. Don't guess — paying too little means you still owe the difference plus interest and penalties.

Is there a fee for paying the IRS?

Direct Pay (online, free) has no fee. Credit card payments through a processor charge 1.87% to 2.35%. Phone and mail payments are free. Setting up a payment plan costs $31 to $225 depending on how you set it up.

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

Online and phone payments process the same day. Bank bill pay checks take 7 to 10 business days. Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to arrive, plus 4 to 6 weeks for the IRS to process and post to your account.

Can I change my payment method after I've started paying?

Yes. If you set up a payment plan, you can switch to a different payment method for future payments at any time. Call 1-800-829-1040 or log into your IRS account to make changes.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.