You can pay the IRS with a credit card, but only through an approved payment processor, and you will pay a convenience fee on top of your tax bill
The IRS does not accept credit cards directly. Instead, you must use one of three approved payment processors: Official Payments Corporation, PayUSAtax, or Worldpay. Each processor charges a fee — typically 1.87% to 2.35% of your payment amount — which gets added to what you owe. You pay the processor's fee with the same card you use for the tax payment.
Credit card payments go through immediately, so your payment date is the date you process it through the processor's website. This matters if you are close to a tax deadline. The processor sends confirmation to the IRS, and the IRS updates your account within a few business days.
Key Takeaways
- You must pay through one of three IRS-approved processors: Official Payments Corporation, PayUSAtax, or Worldpay — never directly to the IRS.
- Every processor charges a convenience fee of roughly 1.87% to 2.35% of your payment, which you pay on top of your tax bill.
- Your payment posts to your IRS account within a few business days, but the transaction date for deadline purposes is the date you process it.
- Credit card payments work for estimated taxes, back taxes, and current-year bills, but not for business payroll taxes through the same route.
Which processor to use and how to find them
All three processors are legitimate and IRS-approved. The IRS does not recommend one over the others. You can find links to all three on the IRS website under "Pay by Credit or Debit Card," or search the processor name directly.
Each processor's website walks you through the payment step-by-step. You will need your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number, your tax year, and the amount you want to pay. The processor will show you the exact fee before you confirm, so you know the total cost before your card is charged.
If you are paying a business tax bill, check whether the processor handles that type of payment — some handle individual returns only. The processor's website will tell you what they accept.
When credit card payment makes sense
Credit card payment is useful if you do not have a bank account set up for electronic transfer, or if you want to earn rewards points on a large payment. The convenience fee is a real cost, so compare it to other payment methods: direct debit from your bank account costs nothing, and a payment plan through the IRS also has no payment fee (though you pay interest on the unpaid balance).
Credit card payment is also fast if you are near a deadline and need confirmation the same day. The processor's confirmation arrives immediately, and you can print or save it as proof of payment.
Do not use a credit card payment to avoid paying taxes on time if you cannot afford the bill. The fee adds to your debt, and if you cannot pay the full amount, a payment plan or offer in compromise through the IRS itself will cost you less overall.
How the convenience fee works
The fee is a percentage of your tax payment, not a flat amount. If you owe $5,000 and the processor charges 2%, you pay $100 in fees, for a total charge of $5,100 to your credit card. The fee itself is not tax-deductible, and it does not reduce the amount credited to your IRS account — the full $5,000 goes to the IRS, and the $100 goes to the processor.
Different processors charge different rates, so if you are paying a large amount, call or visit each processor's website to compare. The difference between 1.87% and 2.35% on a $10,000 payment is $48, which is worth checking.
What happens after you pay
The processor sends a confirmation number to you immediately. Save this confirmation — it is your proof of payment. The processor also sends the payment information to the IRS electronically.
The IRS updates your account within two to three business days. You can check the status of your payment on the IRS website using "Where's My Refund?" or by logging into your IRS online account. Your payment will show as received, and any penalties or interest will stop accruing from the date you made the payment.
If you are on a payment plan or have other outstanding balances, the IRS applies your payment to the oldest debt first, unless you specify otherwise when you pay.
Credit card payments for business taxes
If you own a business and owe self-employment tax or corporate income tax, you can pay through the same three processors. However, if you have employees and owe payroll taxes, the payment route is different — you must use the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) or a payroll service. Credit card is not an option for payroll tax payments.
Check the processor's website to confirm they handle your type of business return before you start the payment process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my IRS bill with a debit card?
Yes. The three approved processors accept both credit and debit cards. The convenience fee applies either way. Debit card payments post the same day and appear on your IRS account within a few business days, just like credit card payments.
What if I cannot pay the full amount at once?
You can make a partial payment through the processor, but you will still owe the remaining balance plus interest and penalties. A payment plan through the IRS itself may cost you less overall because you avoid the convenience fee, though you will pay interest on the unpaid balance. Contact the IRS to set up a plan.
Is there a limit to how much I can pay with a credit card?
Each processor sets its own limits. Most allow payments up to $25,000 or more per transaction. Check the processor's website or call them to confirm the limit before you attempt a large payment.
Do I need to report the convenience fee to the IRS?
No. The fee is between you and the processor. The IRS receives only the tax payment amount. You cannot deduct the convenience fee on your tax return.
What if the payment does not show up on my IRS account?
Contact the processor first with your confirmation number — they can verify whether the payment was sent. If the processor confirms it was sent, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Keep your processor confirmation number and the date you paid.