How Do I Pay My Federal Taxes Online?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers taxpayers multiple secure and convenient methods for paying federal taxes online. These digital options eliminate the need to mail checks and provide confirmation that your payment has been scheduled. Navigating these systems is straightforward, but requires careful preparation and an understanding of which method best suits your needs.

Information Needed to Make an Online Payment

Before you begin paying your taxes online, gathering specific information is necessary to ensure the payment is applied correctly and to verify your identity. You will need your full name and the exact address that appears on your most recently filed tax return. This information must match the IRS’s records precisely to pass the initial identity verification steps on their payment platforms.

You must also have your Social Security Number (SSN) or your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). This number is the primary identifier for your tax account. Along with your personal information, you will need to specify the tax year for which you are making the payment, whether it’s for a balance due on a Form 1040 or an estimated tax payment for Form 1040-ES. Finally, you must know the exact payment amount and the reason for the payment, such as for an amended return or an installment agreement.

Paying Directly From Your Bank Account

The most common way to pay federal taxes online for free is by transferring funds directly from a bank account. The IRS provides two primary systems for this: IRS Direct Pay and the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS). Both options are secure and provide you with a confirmation number once the transaction is complete, but they function differently.

IRS Direct Pay is a web-based system that allows for one-time payments directly from your checking or savings account. To use it, you will verify your identity by providing your tax filing status and personal information from a previously filed return. You will then enter your bank account and routing numbers to authorize the payment. You can schedule payments up to 365 days in advance and can view or cancel a scheduled payment up to two business days before the processing date.

The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) is a more comprehensive payment system that requires enrollment. While Direct Pay is for one-time payments, EFTPS allows you to view your entire payment history, schedule recurring payments for installment agreements or estimated taxes, and make payments for a wider variety of tax forms. The enrollment process involves receiving a Personal Identification Number (PIN) via U.S. mail, which can take five to seven business days.

Paying with a Debit Card, Credit Card, or Digital Wallet

You can also pay your federal taxes using a debit card, credit card, or a digital wallet like PayPal. These payments are not processed directly by the IRS but through third-party payment processors approved by the agency. This method offers the convenience of using your preferred payment card and may allow you to earn rewards, such as cash back or airline miles.

When you choose to pay with a card or digital wallet, you will be directed away from the IRS website to the processor’s site to complete the transaction. These third-party processors charge a fee for their service. The fee varies by processor, but during the 2025 tax season, major processors charge around 1.75% to 1.85% for credit cards, with a minimum fee, and a flat fee of approximately $2.10 to $2.15 for personal debit cards.

The IRS maintains a list of approved payment processors on its website, and you must use one of these providers to ensure your payment is transmitted securely and correctly. The process involves selecting a processor, entering your tax payment details, and then providing your card or digital wallet information. You will receive a confirmation number from the processor once the payment is authorized.

Paying When You E-File Your Tax Return

For those who have a balance due when filing their annual tax return, a payment option is built directly into the e-filing process. This method, known as an Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW), is available whether you use tax preparation software or file through a tax professional. It allows you to authorize the tax payment simultaneously with the submission of your Form 1040.

The EFW process is integrated into the tax filing workflow. As you complete your return, the software or your tax preparer will ask if you want to pay your tax bill directly from your bank account. You will then be prompted to enter your bank’s routing number and your account number.

This method is a direct debit, so there are no processing fees involved. If you file by the tax deadline, you can schedule the payment for any date up to that deadline. If you file your return after the deadline, the payment must be scheduled for the same day you transmit the return or a date within the previous five days.