California's official tax payment site is OnlinePayments.tax.ca.gov

The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) runs OnlinePayments.tax.ca.gov, the state's direct payment portal for income tax, sales tax, use tax, and other California tax obligations. You can pay from your computer or phone using a bank account or debit card. The site accepts payments for individual income tax, corporate taxes, and business-related taxes all in one place.

Payments made through this site go straight to the state. There is no third-party processor standing between you and California, which means lower fees and faster posting to your account. The site is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, though the state processes payments during business hours.

You will need your Social Security number or federal employer identification number (EIN), your California tax identification number if you have one, and the tax year or period you are paying for. The site will ask you to enter the amount and confirm your payment method before processing.

Key Takeaways

  • OnlinePayments.tax.ca.gov is run directly by California's tax department and charges lower fees than third-party payment services.
  • You can pay individual income tax, corporate tax, sales tax, and other California tax obligations through the same portal.
  • Payments made before midnight Pacific Time are typically posted the same business day.
  • The site accepts bank account transfers and debit cards but not credit cards.
  • You will need your Social Security number or EIN and your tax identification number to complete a payment.

What payment methods the site accepts

OnlinePayments.tax.ca.gov takes payments by electronic bank transfer (ACH) and debit card. Bank transfers are free and typically post within one business day. Debit card payments carry a fee set by your card issuer, usually between $1 and $3 per transaction.

The site does not accept credit cards, checks, or cash. If you prefer to mail a check, you can send it to the address listed on your tax notice, but mailed payments take longer to reach the state and post to your account. Electronic payment is faster and gives you a confirmation number immediately.

How to set up and complete a payment

Go to OnlinePayments.tax.ca.gov and select the type of tax you are paying (income tax, sales tax, corporate tax, or other). Enter your Social Security number or EIN and your California tax identification number. The site will pull up your account and show any amounts due.

Choose the tax year or period you want to pay and enter the payment amount. You can pay the full amount or a partial payment if you need to. Select your payment method — bank account or debit card — and enter those details. Review the summary, confirm the amount and due date, and submit.

You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Keep this number for your records. The state will send you a receipt once the payment posts, which usually happens within one business day for bank transfers and the same day for debit card payments.

Timing: when payments post and when they count as on time

Payments submitted before midnight Pacific Time on a business day post the same day. Payments submitted after midnight or on weekends post the next business day. The state considers a payment on time if it posts by the due date shown on your tax notice, not the date you submit it.

If your due date is a weekend or holiday, the state extends the deadline to the next business day. Check your tax notice for the exact due date. If you are unsure whether you will make the deadline, contact the CDTFA before the date passes — they can sometimes arrange a payment plan if you cannot pay in full.

What to do if you have trouble with the payment site

If the site will not accept your information, verify that you entered your Social Security number or EIN and tax identification number correctly. The site is case-sensitive for some fields, so check capitalization. If you do not have a California tax identification number yet, you may need to register with the state first through the California Online Services portal before you can pay.

If the payment fails after you submit it, check your bank or card issuer to see whether the transaction went through. Sometimes a payment appears to fail on the website but actually posts to your account. Wait one business day, then log back in to confirm. If the payment truly did not go through, try again with a different payment method or contact the CDTFA at 1-888-792-4900 during business hours.

Alternatives if you cannot use the online site

You can mail a check to the address on your tax notice. Include your Social Security number or EIN on the check. Mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the state and post to your account, so mail early if your due date is near.

Some tax professionals and accounting software (like TurboTax or H&R Block) offer payment options during tax preparation. These services charge a fee but handle the payment on your behalf. You can also call the CDTFA at 1-888-792-4900 to ask about payment plans if you cannot pay the full amount by the due date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay someone else's California taxes through this site?

No. The site requires the taxpayer's Social Security number or EIN to access the account. If you are a tax professional or accountant, you may be able to pay on behalf of a client if they have given you power of attorney, but you will need to set that up with the CDTFA first.

What if I pay too much by mistake?

The state will hold the overpayment as a credit toward your next tax bill or issue a refund. Contact the CDTFA to request a refund instead of a credit. Refunds typically take 4 to 6 weeks to arrive by mail.

Is my bank information safe on this site?

OnlinePayments.tax.ca.gov uses encryption and is run directly by the state, not a third party. Your bank details are not stored on the site after the payment completes. The site meets federal security standards for government tax payment portals.

Can I schedule a payment for a future date?

No. The site processes payments immediately when you submit them. If you want to pay on a specific future date, you can mail a check timed to arrive by that date, or contact the CDTFA about setting up a payment plan.

What if I do not know my California tax identification number?

Check your tax notice — the number is printed on it. If you have never received a notice and do not have a number, you may need to register with the state first. Go to onlineservices.tax.ca.gov to register, or call the CDTFA at 1-888-792-4900 for help.