What a Tax Payment Voucher Is and How to Use It

A tax payment voucher is a form the IRS or your state tax agency sends you when you owe taxes and need to pay by mail or in person

The voucher is a pre-printed document that comes with your tax notice. It has your name, address, tax ID number, and the exact amount you owe already filled in. You use it to send a check or money order to the IRS or state revenue office. The voucher tells the tax agency which account to credit when your payment arrives, so they know the money is yours and not someone else's.

You do not have to use a voucher to pay taxes—you can pay online through the IRS website, by phone, or through a tax professional. But if you prefer to mail a check, the voucher is the safest way to do it because it contains all the routing information the agency needs to process your payment correctly.

Key Takeaways

A tax payment voucher is a pre-printed form that comes with a tax bill and tells you where to mail your check or money order.
The voucher includes your name, address, tax ID, and the amount owed so the tax agency can match your payment to your account.
You should only mail a check with a voucher if you have received an official tax bill or notice from the IRS or your state—never send payment to an address you found online.
The IRS and most states also offer online payment options that are faster and do not require a voucher.
If you lose the voucher, you can still pay by mail, but you must write your tax ID number and the tax year on your check.

When you receive a tax payment voucher

The IRS sends a voucher when you file a tax return and owe money at the end. The voucher arrives with your notice of assessment or bill. State revenue offices do the same—if you owe state income tax, they mail you a notice with a voucher attached.

You may also receive a voucher if the IRS or state sends you a bill for unpaid taxes from a prior year, penalties, or interest. The voucher will show the total amount due and the important date for payment. The important date is usually at least 30 days from the date the notice was mailed, though some notices give you longer.

What information is on the voucher

The voucher contains your Social Security number or Employer Identification Number (EIN), your full name and mailing address, the tax year the payment covers, and the exact dollar amount owed. It also shows the mailing address where you should send your check or money order. This address is specific to the type of tax and the IRS or state office handling your account.

At the bottom of the voucher is usually a tear-off section. You keep one copy for your records and mail the other with your payment. Some vouchers have a barcode or reference number that helps the tax agency scan and process your payment faster. Do not alter or write on the barcode area.

How to pay using a tax payment voucher

Write a check or obtain a money order for the exact amount shown on the voucher. Do not send cash by mail. On the check or money order, write your tax ID number and the tax year in the memo line—for example, "2023 Federal Income Tax" or "2024 State Income Tax."

Attach the voucher to the front of your check or money order. Place both in an envelope and mail to the address printed on the voucher. Use first-class mail or a tracked service like certified mail if you want proof of delivery. The IRS and state offices process mail payments, but it can take two to four weeks for the payment to post to your account after it arrives.

Keep a copy of the voucher and a record of the check number and amount you sent. If you use certified mail, keep the receipt. This documentation protects you if there is ever a question about whether the payment was received.

Alternatives to mailing a voucher

The IRS offers several faster payment methods through its website at irs.gov. You can pay online using a debit or credit card, an electronic funds withdrawal from your bank account, or a same-day wire transfer. State revenue offices have similar online payment systems. These methods post to your account within one to three business days instead of weeks.

If you owe a large amount and cannot pay in full, you can set up a payment plan through the IRS or your state. You do not need a voucher for this—you can arrange it online or by phone. The tax agency will send you a payment schedule showing what you owe each month.

What happens if you lose the voucher

You can still mail a check without the voucher, but you must include all the information the tax agency needs to identify your account. Write your full tax ID number (Social Security number or EIN), your name, address, and the tax year on the check itself or on a separate sheet of paper inside the envelope. Write the same information on the check's memo line.

It is safer to use the voucher because it eliminates the chance of a data entry error. If the tax agency cannot match your payment to your account, it may sit in a suspense account for months before being credited. If you cannot find the voucher, contact the IRS or your state revenue office and ask them to send a replacement or confirm the correct mailing address and account information before you send your payment.

Recognizing fake tax payment vouchers

Scammers sometimes send fake tax bills and vouchers by mail or email to trick people into sending money to the wrong address. A real voucher always comes from the IRS or your state revenue office, never from a third party or tax preparation company. The IRS does not initiate contact by email or text message about taxes you owe.

If you receive a tax bill or voucher in the mail, verify it by logging into your account on the official IRS website (irs.gov) or your state revenue office website. You can also call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or your state revenue office using the phone number on your prior tax return or bill. Never mail a payment to an address you found online or in an unsolicited notice—always use the address from an official bill you received or from the tax agency's official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use a voucher to pay my taxes?

No. You can pay online through the IRS or state website, by phone, or through a tax professional. A voucher is only necessary if you choose to mail a check. Online payment is faster and your payment posts within one to three business days instead of weeks.

What if I mail my check but do not include the voucher?

Your payment may still be processed, but it will take longer because the tax agency has to match your check to your account manually. Include your tax ID number and tax year on the check itself to help them find your account. Using the voucher is safer and faster.

Can I pay with a credit card using the voucher?

No. A voucher is only for mailing a check or money order. If you want to pay by credit card, you must use the IRS or state website, or call the tax agency directly. Credit card payments are processed when ready but may include a processing fee.

How long does it take for a mailed payment to show up on my account?

Mail payments typically take two to four weeks to post after the tax agency receives them. If you mail your check, allow extra time before the payment important date. For faster posting, use online payment or phone payment, which usually post within one to three business days.

What if the voucher shows the wrong amount?

Contact the IRS or your state revenue office when ready. Do not send a payment based on a voucher you believe is incorrect. The tax agency can review your account and send you a corrected notice if there was an error.

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.