The IRS accepts payments through five main channels: online through IRS.gov, by phone, by mail, through your bank, or in person at a payment location
The fastest and most direct route is the IRS website at IRS.gov/payments. You can pay immediately using a debit or credit card, or set up an electronic bank transfer. If you prefer not to use the internet, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during business hours and make a payment over the phone with a representative. You can also mail a check or money order, though this takes longer and requires you to include a payment voucher so the IRS knows which tax year and account the money is for.
Each method has different timing and fees. Online and phone payments usually post to your account within one business day. Mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the IRS, and longer if you mail it from far away. Credit card payments through any method charge a processing fee (typically 1.87% to 2.35% of the amount), while debit card and bank transfer payments have no fee or a much smaller one.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through IRS.gov is the fastest method and lets you choose between credit card, debit card, or bank transfer.
- Phone payments (1-800-829-1040) work if you prefer speaking to someone, but credit card fees still apply.
- Mailed checks must include a payment voucher so the IRS can match the money to your account; without it, the payment may be delayed or misapplied.
- Credit card payments charge a processing fee of roughly 1.87% to 2.35%, while bank transfers and debit cards have no fee or charge less.
- If you owe taxes you cannot pay in full, you can set up a payment plan through the IRS rather than sending partial payments without a plan in place.
Paying online through IRS.gov
Go to IRS.gov/payments and select "Pay Now." You will need your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, your filing status, and the tax year for which you owe. The site will ask whether you want to pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic bank transfer.
If you choose credit card, the IRS directs you to a third-party processor (currently either Worldpay or Paymetrics, depending on the card type). You enter your card details there, not on the IRS site itself. The processor charges the fee, not the IRS. Debit card payments go through the same processors and may have a smaller fee or none at all. Bank transfers (ACH payments) have no fee and pull money directly from your checking or savings account; you provide your routing number and account number, and the money moves within one business day.
You will receive a confirmation number immediately. Write it down or take a screenshot. The IRS recommends keeping this for your records in case you need to follow up on the payment.
Paying by phone or through an authorized payment location
Call 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). A representative will walk you through the payment and take your information. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or bank transfer over the phone. Credit card fees still apply. The representative will give you a confirmation number before you hang up.
Some taxpayers can also pay in person at certain IRS offices or through approved payment locations, though this is less common than it once was. Call the number above to ask whether a location near you accepts walk-in payments, or check IRS.gov for current locations.
Paying by mail with a check or money order
Write a check or money order payable to "United States Treasury." Do not make it payable to the IRS. Include a payment voucher so the IRS knows which tax year and which account the payment belongs to. You can download the voucher from IRS.gov or request one by phone.
On the check itself, write your Social Security Number, the tax year, and the form type (for example, "1040" or "1040-ES" for estimated tax). Mail the check and voucher to the address listed on your tax notice or on the IRS website for your state. Mailing addresses vary by state and by whether you are paying income tax, estimated tax, or another type of tax.
Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and be processed. If you are close to a deadline, mailing is risky because the postmark date matters, not the arrival date — but the IRS still needs time to process it. If you are cutting it close, use online or phone payment instead.
Setting up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full
If you owe more than you can pay right now, do not send a partial payment without a plan. Instead, set up an installment agreement with the IRS. This is a formal arrangement that lets you pay over time and stops the IRS from taking collection action while you are making regular payments.
You can set up a short-term plan (120 days or less) online at IRS.gov with no fee. For longer plans, you can apply online, by phone, or by mail. The IRS charges a setup fee (typically $31 to $225 depending on the method and plan length) and may charge interest and penalties on top of the original tax owed. The longer you take to pay, the more interest accumulates.
If you set up a plan, you must make payments on time every month. Missing a payment can end the agreement and trigger collection action. If your situation changes and you cannot afford the monthly amount, contact the IRS to modify the plan rather than skipping payments.
Understanding fees and what happens after you pay
Credit card processing fees are charged by the payment processor, not the IRS, and range from roughly 1.87% to 2.35% depending on the card type and processor. A $5,000 credit card payment might cost $94 to $118 in fees. Debit card fees are typically lower or zero. Bank transfer payments have no fee. If you are paying a large amount, the fee difference between methods can be significant.
After you pay, the IRS applies the money to your account. If you paid for a specific tax year, it goes there. If you did not specify, the IRS applies it to your oldest debt first. You will receive a receipt or confirmation, and the payment should show up in your IRS account within one to three business days for online and phone payments, or 7 to 10 days for mail.
If you need to track a payment you made, log into your IRS account at IRS.gov or call 1-800-829-1040. Have your confirmation number ready.
What to do if you made a payment by mistake or need to change it
If you paid the wrong amount or paid for the wrong tax year, contact the IRS as soon as possible. Call 1-800-829-1040 or log into your IRS account online. Do not make another payment to "correct" the first one — the IRS can adjust it on their end. If you overpaid, you can request a refund or have the overpayment applied to a future tax bill.
If you made a payment online and immediately realized it was wrong, call the payment processor's customer service number (listed on your confirmation) to see if the transaction can be stopped before it posts. Once it posts to the IRS, you will need to contact the IRS directly to reverse or adjust it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay the IRS with a credit card without a fee?
No. Credit card payments always include a processing fee charged by the third-party processor, not the IRS. The fee is typically 1.87% to 2.35% of the payment amount. If you want to avoid fees, use a debit card, bank transfer, or check.
What if I mail a check but do not include a payment voucher?
The IRS can still process it, but it may take longer because staff have to match the check to your account manually. Including the voucher ensures the payment is applied correctly and quickly. Always include one when you mail a payment.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up in my IRS account?
Online and phone payments usually post within one business day. Bank transfer payments may take up to one business day. You will receive a confirmation number immediately, and you can use that to track the payment if needed.
Can I set up a payment plan online?
Yes, for short-term plans of 120 days or less with no setup fee. For longer payment plans, you can apply online, by phone, or by mail, but there is a setup fee and the IRS will charge interest on the unpaid balance.
What if I cannot afford my monthly payment plan payment?
Contact the IRS before the payment is due and ask to modify the plan. Skipping payments can end the agreement and trigger collection action. The IRS can adjust your monthly amount based on your current situation.