How to send your tax payment to the IRS

The IRS accepts tax payments through four main channels: online through their website, by phone, by mail, or through your tax preparer or bank. The method you choose depends on whether you owe taxes on a return you've filed, need to make an estimated quarterly payment, or are responding to a notice from the IRS. Each route has different processing times and confirmation procedures.

Online payment is the fastest and most secure option. You can pay directly at IRS.gov using their payment portal, or through a third-party payment processor approved by the IRS. Phone payments go through the same approved processors. Mail payments take longer to process but require no technology. The IRS does not accept payments at local offices or through walk-in locations.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payments through IRS.gov or an approved processor are processed within one business day and give you immediate confirmation.
  • Mailed payments should include your tax return, a check or money order, and a payment voucher; mail to the address listed on your return's instructions.
  • Phone payments are made through approved third-party processors, not directly to the IRS, and require a fee.
  • Estimated quarterly payments follow the same routes as regular tax payments but have specific due dates: April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15.
  • The IRS will send you a confirmation number for online and phone payments; keep this record for your files.

Paying online through IRS.gov

Go to IRS.gov and select "Make a Payment" from the homepage. The IRS Direct Pay system lets you pay directly from your bank account at no cost. You enter your Social Security number or employer identification number, filing status, and the amount owed. The system confirms your bank routing and account numbers, then gives you a confirmation number immediately.

You can schedule a payment up to 120 days in advance, which is useful if you want the payment to arrive on a specific date. The IRS processes Direct Pay payments within one business day. You do not need to mail anything or call anyone; the payment goes straight from your bank to the IRS.

If you prefer not to use Direct Pay, the IRS lists approved payment processors on their website. These processors charge a fee (usually $2 to $4) but offer the same speed and confirmation. Some people use these if they want to pay by credit card or debit card instead of a bank account, though the processor's fee applies either way.

Paying by phone

Call one of the IRS-approved payment processors listed on IRS.gov. The phone number connects you to an automated system where you enter your tax information and bank account details. The processor charges a fee for this service. You receive a confirmation number at the end of the call.

Phone payments are processed the same day or next business day, depending on what time you call. This method works if you do not have internet access or prefer speaking to a representative, though the representative cannot waive the processor fee.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order for the amount you owe. Do not send cash. On the check or money order, write your Social Security number, the tax year, and the form type (1040, 1120, 941, etc.) in the memo line. Include a payment voucher if you are filing a return; the voucher comes with your tax return instructions or can be printed from IRS.gov.

Mail your check, voucher, and return to the address listed in your tax return's instruction booklet. Different states and return types have different mailing addresses. If you are paying without filing a return (for example, responding to a notice), the notice itself will tell you where to send the payment.

Mailed payments take 7 to 14 business days to process. The IRS considers the payment received on the date it is postmarked, not the date it arrives, so mail early if you have a deadline. Keep a copy of everything you mail and consider using certified mail if the amount is large.

Paying through a tax preparer or financial institution

If a tax preparer or CPA prepared your return, they can submit your payment electronically as part of filing. Ask them whether they offer this service and whether there is a fee. Many do this at no extra charge.

Some banks and credit unions also offer bill-pay services that can send a check to the IRS on your behalf. Set this up through your online banking portal. The bank mails the check, so processing takes the same 7 to 14 days as a mailed payment.

Paying estimated quarterly taxes

Estimated tax payments are due on April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year. Use the same payment methods as regular tax payments: online through IRS.gov, by phone, by mail, or through your tax preparer.

When you pay online, the system asks which quarter the payment covers. If you mail a payment, include Form 1040-ES with your check. The form tells the IRS which quarter you are paying for and prevents the payment from being misapplied to a different tax year.

Paying after receiving an IRS notice

If the IRS sent you a notice about taxes owed, the notice includes instructions for payment. Follow those instructions rather than the general payment methods, because the notice may direct you to a specific address or reference number that links your payment to your case.

If the notice says you owe penalties or interest in addition to tax, include the full amount shown on the notice. Paying only the tax portion may result in the IRS sending another notice for the unpaid penalties and interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I mail my payment but the IRS says they never received it?

The IRS considers a payment received on the postmark date, not the arrival date. If you mailed it on time but it arrived late, you are not considered late. Keep your mailing receipt or use certified mail to prove the postmark date. If the IRS claims non-receipt, provide this proof and ask them to locate the payment.

Can I pay the IRS with a credit card?

Yes, but only through an approved payment processor, not directly through IRS.gov. The processor charges a fee (usually 1.87% to 2.35% of the payment amount) for credit card payments. You can find approved processors on IRS.gov under "Payment Processors."

What happens if I pay more than I owe?

The IRS will either refund the overpayment or apply it to next year's estimated taxes, depending on what you request. When you make the payment, you can specify which option you prefer. If you do not specify, the IRS will refund it.

Do I need to include my return with my mailed payment?

Only if you are filing a return for the first time or filing a return that was not previously filed. If you are paying taxes on a return you already filed, mail only the check and payment voucher. If you are responding to a notice, mail only the check and the notice itself.

How do I know my payment was received?

Online and phone payments give you a confirmation number immediately. For mailed payments, the postmark serves as proof of timely sending, but the IRS may take weeks to post the payment to your account. You can check payment status on IRS.gov using your Social Security number and the amount paid.