The IRS accepts payments through five main channels: online through IRS Direct Pay or the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), by phone, by mail, through a payment plan, or in person at a local IRS office

The fastest and most direct route is IRS Direct Pay, which lets you pay immediately from a bank account at no cost. You enter your tax information, bank details, and the amount, and the money moves to the IRS within one business day. You do not need to create an account beforehand — you can pay as a guest — but you will receive a confirmation number you should save.

If you cannot pay the full amount right now, the IRS offers payment plans (called installment agreements) that let you pay over time. Short-term plans cover 180 days or fewer; long-term plans can stretch over several years. The IRS charges a setup fee and interest on the unpaid balance, but a plan stops the IRS from taking collection action while you are making regular payments.

Key Takeaways

  • IRS Direct Pay is free, fast, and requires only your tax ID and bank account information — no login or account creation needed.
  • EFTPS is the government's official payment system and works for recurring or scheduled payments if you prefer to set them up in advance.
  • Payment plans let you spread the cost over months or years, though the IRS charges a setup fee and interest on what you owe.
  • If you cannot pay now, contact the IRS or a tax professional before the payment deadline to explore your options and avoid additional penalties.

Paying online through IRS Direct Pay

Go to IRS.gov and look for the "Pay Now" or "IRS Direct Pay" link on the homepage. You will enter your Social Security number or Employer Identification Number (EIN), filing status, tax year, and the amount you want to pay. The system will ask for your bank account and routing number.

Direct Pay processes the payment within one business day at no charge. You will receive a confirmation number immediately — write this down or take a screenshot. The money will leave your account on the date you choose, which gives you some control over your cash flow. There is no limit to how many times you can use Direct Pay, so you can make multiple payments if needed.

Using EFTPS for scheduled or recurring payments

The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) is the IRS's official payment network. It works similarly to Direct Pay but requires you to enroll first, which takes one to two business days. EFTPS is useful if you make regular estimated tax payments or want to schedule payments weeks in advance.

To enroll, visit EFTPS.gov and provide your Social Security number or EIN, bank account details, and contact information. Once approved, you can log in and schedule payments for any date at least one business day in the future. Like Direct Pay, EFTPS charges no fee. If you are self-employed or own a business, EFTPS is often the standard method for paying quarterly estimated taxes.

Paying by phone or mail

You can pay by phone by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during business hours. A representative will take your payment information over the phone and process it through an automated system. Phone payments work with debit or credit cards, though the card processor charges a convenience fee (usually 2 to 3 percent of the payment) on top of what you owe the IRS.

To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to "United States Treasury." Include your name, address, Social Security number or EIN, tax year, and the form type (such as 1040 for individual income tax). Mail it to the address listed on your tax notice or on IRS.gov — the address varies by state. Mail payments take longer to process and offer no confirmation until the IRS cashes the check, so keep a copy of the check or money order for your records.

Setting up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full

If you owe more than you can pay right now, you can request an installment agreement through IRS.gov, by phone, or by mail. The IRS offers two types: a short-term plan (up to 180 days) and a long-term plan (up to 72 months or longer). The IRS charges a setup fee (typically $31 to $225 depending on the method and plan type) and interest on the unpaid balance.

To request a plan online, go to IRS.gov and select "Set Up a Payment Plan." You will enter the amount you owe, how much you can pay each month, and your preferred payment date. The IRS will tell you the total cost including fees and interest. Once approved, you must make payments on time each month, or the agreement can be cancelled and collection action can resume.

Understanding fees and interest on payments

The IRS charges interest on any unpaid tax balance. The rate changes quarterly and is currently around 8 percent per year, though it varies. Interest accrues daily from the original due date until you pay in full. If you set up a payment plan, you will pay interest on the remaining balance for as long as the plan is active.

The IRS also charges penalties if you file late or pay late. The failure-to-pay penalty is typically 0.5 percent of the unpaid tax per month, up to 25 percent total. If you set up a payment plan before the penalty is assessed, the penalty rate may be reduced. Paying as soon as possible, even if not the full amount, reduces how much interest and penalties accumulate.

What to do if you receive a notice or bill

When the IRS sends you a bill or notice, it will include a payment deadline. Pay by that date to avoid additional penalties. The notice will also show the total amount due, including any interest or penalties already assessed. If you disagree with the amount, you have the right to dispute it — the notice will explain how.

If you cannot meet the deadline, contact the IRS or work with a tax professional to request a payment plan or explore other options before the date passes. The IRS is more willing to work with you if you reach out early rather than after you miss the deadline. You can call the number on your notice or visit IRS.gov to find your local IRS office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my IRS bill with a credit card?

Yes, but only through a third-party payment processor, not directly to the IRS. The processor charges a convenience fee of 2 to 3 percent. You can find approved processors on IRS.gov under "Pay Now." The fee is in addition to what you owe the IRS, so paying from a bank account through Direct Pay or EFTPS is cheaper.

What if I cannot pay by the deadline?

Contact the IRS before the deadline to request a payment plan or ask about other options. The IRS will not waive the debt, but a plan stops collection action and gives you time to pay. Call 1-800-829-1040 or visit IRS.gov to set up a plan online. Acting before the deadline is important because penalties and interest will continue to grow.

How do I know if my payment went through?

If you paid online through Direct Pay or EFTPS, you will receive a confirmation number immediately. Save this number. If you paid by phone or mail, keep your receipt or a copy of the check. You can also log into your IRS account on IRS.gov to see your payment history and current balance.

Do I have to pay the full amount at once?

No. You can make partial payments anytime, and each payment reduces what you owe. However, interest and penalties continue to accrue on the unpaid balance. A payment plan formalizes partial payments over time and stops collection action, but you still pay interest on what remains unpaid.