How do I pay my Federal and State Taxes?
10 Ways to Make an Tax Payment
Back then, writing a check was the only way to pay if you owed the IRS at tax time. Now there are a ton of options to choose from.
Taxpayers who use guided tax-prep programs or Free File will be familiar with EFW or electronic funds withdrawal. This payment option comes standard with most software and allows you to submit a payment directly from your bank account when filing your return.
If you’re looking to tackle your tax bill another way, the IRS suggests sticking to an online tax payment method, such as Direct Pay, EFTPS, or a credit/debit card, before resorting to mail. Still, a few more payment options are available, including same-day wire and cash.
How to pay your federal income taxes in 2023
Click on each IRS payment option below to learn more about common ways to pay your federal income tax bill, what each option will cost you, and the pros and cons of each approach.
IRS Direct Pay is one of the most straightforward and affordable options for tackling a tax bill. You can access the free service through the IRS Direct Pay website to submit a payment directly from your checking or savings bank account. You can also modify or cancel a payment up to two business days before it’s scheduled to process.
You don’t have to register with the agency to use the service, but you will need to verify your identity before you can submit a payment. The Direct Pay website will ask you to provide the address, Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status you submitted on a prior-year return to confirm that you are who you say you are.
Direct Pay is available to taxpayers Monday through Saturday, from midnight to 11:45 p.m. EST and Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. EST.
Cost: Free.
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If you use IRS Free File or another tax-prep software to file your federal taxes, this e-pay feature is usually offered directly through the e-filing program. To make a payment, you’ll enter your banking information to authorize a direct debit withdrawal. You can also ask a human tax preparer to submit your payment through EFW if the preparer e-files on your behalf.
Cost: Free. Check with your bank for associated fees, though.
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The IRS offers another online payment service called EFTPS. Unlike Direct Pay, you will need to register to use it, which can take up to five to seven days, according to the IRS.
To enroll, go to the IRS EFTPS website, provide identity and bank information, then wait for a PIN to arrive in the mail. Once you receive it, you’ll go back online, set a password and authorize an ACH transaction from your bank account.
With EFTPS, you can see up to 15 months of your payment history, change or schedule future payments, and make a payment virtually any time — the voice and online payment service is operational 24/7.
You also get access to customer service reps who can help you with any payment questions.
Cost: Free.
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To pay your taxes with a debit card or digital wallet, you must go through one of the IRS’ three independent payment processors: PayUSAtax, Pay 1040, or ACI Payments. Once you choose a processor, you can pay via phone or online. This method involves a processing fee of about $2 and change.
To make a payment, go to the website, then provide the payment amount, your card information, and other data. The processor sends the money to the IRS.
Cost: Between $2.20 and $2.50 per payment (the fee goes to the processor, not the IRS).
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Paying your taxes with a credit card follows the same process as paying with a debit card. However, instead of paying a flat processing fee, your credit card payment will be subject to a fee in the form of a percentage, which means the more you owe, the higher your fee will be. The IRS breaks down what kind of fees you expect across each payment type in their payment processor fee comparison table.
To make a credit card payment, go to the website of one of the IRS’s three independent payment processors, then provide the payment amount, your card information, and other data. The processor sends the money to the IRS.
Cost: Between 1.85% and 1.98% of your payment; the minimum fee is between $2.50 and $2.69 (the fee goes to the processor, not the IRS).
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» MORE: Paying taxes with a credit card isn’t suitable for everyone. Explore the pros and cons.
A wire transfer moves money electronically from one person to another using a bank or a nonbank provider. Some financial institutions can support a same-day transfer of an IRS payment. To pay the IRS this way, you’ll need to make a copy of the agency’s Same-Day Taxpayer Worksheet for each IRS payment you need to make.
Once you fill it in, head to your financial institution to schedule the payment.
Cost: About $25, depending on your institution.
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The IRS generally discourages taxpayers from sending payments via the mail, but if you decide to pay your bill by check, money order, or cashier’s check, have one made out to the U.S. Treasury and mail it to the IRS. Make sure it includes your name, address, daytime phone number, Social Security number or employer identification number, the tax year it should be applied to, and the related tax form or notice number.
Where you send your payment may depend on if you already filed your federal income tax return. The agency has more guidance on its website.
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Cost: Stamps and/or mail delivery tracking, plus a possible fee to get a money order or cashier’s check.
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Note that some local IRS offices may also be able to accept an in-person money order tax payment. You can locate and view the services of a Taxpayer Assistance Center near you using the IRS’ TAC look-up tool.
» MORE: See more differences between cashier’s checks and money orders
Believe it or not, you may be able to pay your taxes using good old-fashioned cash. To do so, first, go to the IRS’s Pay with Cash at a Retail Partner website and follow the instructions to make a cash IRS payment. You get an email confirming your information, and the IRS verifies your information. You get a second email with a link to a payment barcode and instructions. You then go to the retail store in the email, have the clerk scan your code, and then you hand over your cash. You get a receipt and payment confirmation.
Participating retailers include Family Dollar, Dollar General, CVS Pharmacy, 7-Eleven, Walgreens, Go-Mart, Speedway, Kum & Go, Kwik Trip, and other select independent locations.
Note that some local IRS offices may also be able to accept an in-person cash tax payment. You can locate and view the services of a Taxpayer Assistance Center near you using the IRS’ TAC look-up tool.
Cost: $1.50 to $2.50 per payment.
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IRS2Go, the IRS’ official mobile app, is available for download on iOS and Android devices. You can use it to make payments via the free mobile version of IRS Direct Pay or with a debit or credit card (for a fee). No registration is required.
Cost: The app is free.
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If you can’t pay your tax bill in full when it’s due, you can get on a payment plan with the IRS. There are two types of plans: short-term (for people who can pay off the balance in 180 days or fewer) and long-term (for people who need more time).
» MORE: 5 Options for People Who Can’t Afford Their Tax Bills
Cost: $0 to $225, depending on the plan you select, how you enroll, and whether you’re a low-income taxpayer.
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How can I check on my tax refunds? Tax Related Web-sites/phone numbers: IRS www.irs.gov IRS Get Refund Status IRS Inquiry Phone: (800) 829-1040