The main routes to pay taxes online depend on what you owe

You can pay federal income taxes, self-employment taxes, or estimated taxes online through the IRS directly, or through a third-party payment processor that the IRS approves. State taxes go through your state's revenue department website. The method you use depends on whether you're paying a bill that's already due, making an estimated payment, or paying as part of filing your return.

The IRS offers four official payment methods: Direct Debit from your bank account, a debit or credit card through an approved processor, an electronic federal tax payment system (EFTPS) account, or a same-day wire transfer. Each has different fees, timing, and setup requirements. State tax payments work similarly but use your state's own system.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS website (IRS.gov) has a payment tool that shows you all approved processors and their fees before you choose one.
  • Direct Debit from your bank account is free and the most common method for individual taxpayers.
  • Credit and debit card payments charge a processing fee (usually 1.87 to 2.35 percent) that you pay on top of your tax bill.
  • State tax payments go through your state revenue department's website, not the IRS, and each state's process and important date differ.
  • Same-day payments must be submitted before a specific cutoff time (usually 8 p.m. Eastern) to post that day.

Paying federal taxes through the IRS payment tool

Go to IRS.gov and search for "payment" or navigate to the payment section. You'll find the IRS Direct Pay tool and a list of approved payment processors. Direct Pay is the IRS's own system and charges no fee. You enter your Social Security number or employer identification number, the tax year, the amount, and your bank account details. The payment posts within one business day for Direct Debit, or same-day if you submit before the cutoff.

If you don't have a bank account or prefer to use a credit card, the IRS lists approved processors: currently these include Paypal, Stripe, and others. Each processor charges a fee that varies slightly. The IRS website shows you the exact fee before you confirm payment. You'll need your tax identification number, the amount owed, and a payment method.

For self-employed people or those making estimated quarterly payments, the process is the same. You can set up recurring payments through Direct Pay if you make the same estimated payment each quarter.

Using EFTPS for regular or large payments

The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) is a free system run by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. It's designed for people who make frequent tax payments—usually business owners, self-employed people, or employers. You enroll online at EFTPS.gov, provide your bank account and tax ID, and then schedule payments up to 120 days in advance.

EFTPS requires a one-time setup that takes a few days: you enroll, the Treasury sends you a PIN by mail, and you use that PIN to set up your account. Once active, you can schedule payments anytime. Payments posted through EFTPS are free and typically post within one business day.

EFTPS is not faster than Direct Pay for a one-time payment, but it's useful if you pay taxes multiple times a year or want to schedule payments weeks ahead. You can also make same-day payments through EFTPS if you call their phone line instead of using the website, though this requires prior enrollment.

Paying state taxes online

Each state has its own tax payment system. Search "[your state] tax payment" or go to your state's department of revenue website. Most states offer online payment through their own portal, and many allow you to pay through a third-party processor similar to the federal system.

State payment important date usually match federal important date (April 15 for income tax returns, quarterly dates for estimated taxes), but some states have different rules. A few states do not have income tax at all. Check your state's website for the exact important date and whether same-day payment is available.

Some states charge a processing fee for credit card payments, while others offer free Direct Debit. The state website will show the fee before you confirm. If you owe multiple states (for example, if you work in one state and live in another), you'll need to pay each state separately through its own system.

Timing: when the payment actually posts

A payment submitted through Direct Debit or EFTPS typically posts within one business day. If you submit on a Friday, it usually posts on Monday. If you submit after the cutoff time (usually 8 p.m. Eastern), it may not post until the next business day.

Credit and debit card payments through a processor may take one to three business days to post, depending on the processor. The IRS website will tell you the expected posting date when you submit. If your payment important date is April 15 and you're paying by credit card on April 14, check the posting timeline—it may not arrive in time.

Same-day payments are available through most processors and Direct Pay, but you must submit before the cutoff time. The IRS considers a payment timely if it posts by the important date, not if you submit it by the important date. This is why same-day payment exists: to let you pay on the actual due date and have it count as on-time.

What information you need before you start

Have your Social Security number or employer identification number ready. If you're paying a bill notice (not filing a return), you'll also need the notice itself—it contains the tax year and the exact amount due. If you're making an estimated payment with no notice, you'll need to know the amount yourself.

You'll need a bank account (for Direct Debit or EFTPS) or a debit or credit card (for processor payments). Have your routing number and account number if paying by bank account. If paying by card, have the card number, expiration date, and CVV.

For state taxes, you may need your state ID number or state tax ID in addition to your Social Security number. Check your state's website for the exact list.

Fees and which method costs the least

Direct Debit through the IRS Direct Pay tool is free. EFTPS is free. Credit and debit card payments charge a processing fee that the processor sets, usually between 1.87 and 2.35 percent of the amount you pay. On a $5,000 payment, that's roughly $94 to $118 in fees.

Some approved processors offer slightly lower rates than others, so the IRS website lets you compare before you choose. The fee is separate from your tax bill—you pay it in addition to what you owe the IRS or your state.

If you're paying a large amount and have a bank account, Direct Debit saves you the most money. If you don't have a bank account or need to pay by card, compare the processor fees on the IRS website and choose the lowest one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my taxes online if I don't have a bank account?

Yes. You can use a debit or credit card through an approved processor. The processor will charge a fee (usually 1.87 to 2.35 percent). Some prepaid debit cards work as well, though you should confirm with the processor before submitting payment.

What if I miss the important date but want to pay the same day?

You can still submit a same-day payment online, but it will post after the important date. The IRS will consider it late and may assess penalties and interest. Paying late is still better than not paying, but you cannot avoid the late fees by paying the same day you miss the important date.

Do I need to print a confirmation after I pay online?

You should save or print the confirmation number the system gives you. Keep it with your tax records. You don't need to mail it or send it to the IRS, but it proves you paid and when, which is useful if there's ever a question about the payment.

Can I pay someone else's taxes online using their information?

No. You can only pay taxes for yourself or for a business you own or operate. If you're paying on behalf of someone else (a spouse, a dependent, an employee), that person must authorize it and you'll need their tax ID. The safest approach is to have them pay directly or sign a power of attorney.

What happens if my online payment fails?

The system will tell you when ready if the payment failed—usually because the bank account or card information is incorrect or the account doesn't have enough funds. You can try again right away with corrected information. If the important date has passed, the payment will still be late, but submitting it as soon as possible limits additional penalties.