How to Pay Your Taxes: Methods, Timing, and What to Expect

The main ways to pay federal income taxes

You can pay federal income taxes through the IRS website, by mail, by phone, or through your bank. The IRS website (irs.gov) is the fastest route — you can pay there the same day you decide to, and you'll get a confirmation number when ready. If you prefer not to use a website, you can mail a check, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040, or set up a payment through your bank's bill pay system.

Each method takes a different amount of time to reach the IRS. A payment through irs.gov posts within one business day. A mailed check takes 7 to 14 days to arrive and be processed. A phone payment is when ready, but you'll need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact amount you owe. Bank bill pay varies — some banks send payments the same day, others take several days.

The IRS does not charge a fee for payments made directly through irs.gov or by mail. Phone payments and some bank bill pay methods may include a small fee charged by a third-party processor, not the IRS. You'll see the fee amount before you confirm the payment.

Key Takeaways

The IRS website (irs.gov) is the fastest way to pay, with confirmation the same day and posting within one business day.
Mailed checks, phone payments, and bank bill pay all work, but take longer to process — plan ahead if your payment important date is soon.
You need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact amount owed to pay by phone or online.
The IRS charges no fee for direct payments, but third-party processors may charge a small fee if you use their service.
If you cannot pay the full amount now, you can set up a payment plan through the IRS, which spreads the cost over time.

Paying through the IRS website

Go to irs.gov and look for the "Payments" section. You'll see a link that says "Pay Now" or "Make a Payment." Click it, and you'll be asked to choose a payment method. The IRS offers several options: Direct Debit (from your bank account), credit or debit card, or electronic federal tax payment system (EFTPS, which is for businesses and people who pay regularly).

Direct Debit is the simplest for most people. You enter your bank account and routing number, and the IRS withdraws the payment on the date you choose. This method has no fee. If you use a credit or debit card, a processor will charge a fee — usually 1.87% to 2.35% of the amount you pay. That means paying $1,000 by card costs you $18.70 to $23.50 extra.

After you submit your payment, you'll see a confirmation number on the screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. The IRS will also send you an email confirmation. Keep both until you see the payment reflected in your tax account.

Paying by mail

To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to "United States Treasury." Do not write it to the IRS. On the check, write your Social Security number, the tax year, and the form you're paying for (usually "1040" for individual income tax).

Include a payment voucher with your check. If you filed a tax return, use the voucher that came with your return instructions. If you're paying without filing a return, you can read Form 1040-ES (the estimated tax voucher) from irs.gov. Fill in your information and include it with your check.

Mail your check to the address listed on the voucher or on irs.gov — the address varies by state. Allow 7 to 14 days for the check to arrive and be processed. If your payment important date is within two weeks, do not use mail; use the website or phone instead.

Paying by phone

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have ready your Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact amount you owe. The IRS representative will walk you through the payment and give you a confirmation number.

Phone payments are processed when ready, but you cannot use a credit card — only a bank account. The IRS does not charge a fee for phone payments. The call may take 10 to 15 minutes, depending on wait times.

Setting up a payment plan if you cannot pay now

If you owe taxes but cannot pay the full amount when ready, you can request a payment plan (called an installment agreement) from the IRS. This spreads your payment over several months or years. You can request a plan through irs.gov, by phone, or by mail.

The IRS charges a setup fee for a payment plan — usually between $31 and $225, depending on the plan type and how you request it. Online requests have the lowest fee. Once approved, you'll make monthly payments on a schedule the IRS sets. If you miss a payment, the plan can be cancelled and the full amount becomes due.

A payment plan does not reduce what you owe — it only changes when you pay. Interest and penalties continue to accrue on the unpaid balance, so the longer you take to pay, the more you'll owe in total.

What happens after you pay

After you submit a payment, check your IRS account online at irs.gov to confirm it was received. Payments made through the website or by phone post within one business day. Mailed checks take 7 to 14 days. Once posted, your account will show a zero balance (or a lower balance if you made a partial payment).

Keep your confirmation number and any receipts until you receive written confirmation from the IRS. If you paid by mail, keep a copy of the cancelled check as proof of payment. If there's ever a question about whether the IRS received your payment, these documents will show that you paid on time.

State and local tax payments

State and local income taxes are paid separately from federal taxes. Each state has its own payment system and important date. Most states allow you to pay through their tax agency website, by mail, or by phone. Some states also allow payments through your bank's bill pay system.

To find your state's payment method, search "[your state] income tax payment" or visit your state's revenue or taxation department website. The process is similar to federal payments — you'll need your Social Security number and the amount owed — but the important date and payment address are different.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I pay late?

The IRS charges interest and penalties on late payments. Interest accrues daily at a rate set quarterly (currently around 8% per year, but this changes). A failure-to-pay penalty is usually 0.5% of the unpaid amount per month. The sooner you pay, the less interest and penalties you'll owe.

Can I pay with a credit card?

Yes, but only through the IRS website or by using a payment processor. You cannot pay by credit card over the phone or by mail. A processor fee (1.87% to 2.35%) will be added to your payment, making it more expensive than paying by bank account or check.

Do I need to file a tax return to pay taxes?

Not always. If you owe taxes but did not file a return, you can still pay through the IRS website or by mail. However, the IRS will eventually contact you if you owe and have not filed. It's better to file a return and pay at the same time so there's a clear record of what you owe.

What if I overpaid my taxes?

If you paid more than you owed, the IRS will refund the difference. You can request a refund by filing a tax return, or if you already filed, the IRS will send it automatically. Refunds usually arrive within 21 days of the IRS processing your return, though it can take longer during busy tax season.

Can I set up automatic monthly payments?

Yes. If you have a payment plan, you can set up automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month. You can also set up automatic payments for estimated taxes if you're self-employed. Both are done through irs.gov or by calling the IRS.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.