Yes, you can pay the IRS with a credit card, but you'll pay a processing fee
The IRS accepts credit card payments for federal income taxes, estimated taxes, and other tax debts. You cannot pay directly through the IRS website with a credit card — instead, you use a third-party payment processor that the IRS has authorized. These processors charge a convenience fee (usually 1.87% to 2.35% of your payment) that you pay on top of your tax bill.
The main reason to use a credit card is if you don't have the cash on hand right now but can pay off the card quickly. If you're carrying a balance, the credit card interest will almost certainly cost more than the IRS payment fee, so a payment plan or other option may make more sense.
Key Takeaways
- You pay through an IRS-authorized third-party processor, not the IRS directly, and you'll owe a convenience fee on top of your tax amount.
- The three authorized processors are Official Payments, Worldpay, and Global Payments, each charging slightly different fees.
- You can pay a current-year tax bill, back taxes, or an estimated quarterly payment using a credit card.
- The IRS does not report credit card payments as a payment plan, so you still owe the full amount when ready — the card is just your method of paying.
The three authorized payment processors and their fees
The IRS maintains a list of three companies licensed to accept credit card payments on your behalf. Each one charges a different fee structure, so comparing them before you pay can save you money.
| Processor | Fee structure | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Official Payments | 2.35% of payment amount | officialpayments.com |
| Worldpay | 2.00% of payment amount | payUSAtax.com |
| Global Payments | 1.87% of payment amount | pay1040.com |
On a $5,000 payment, the difference between the lowest and highest fee is about $24. The fee is added to your payment total — you don't pay it separately. All three processors accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
How to make a credit card payment to the IRS
Choose one of the three processors above and go to their website. You will need your Social Security number or employer identification number, your tax filing status, and the amount you want to pay. The processor will ask whether you're paying an individual return, a business return, or an estimated quarterly payment.
Enter your credit card information and confirm the payment. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready. The processor will send the payment to the IRS on your behalf, usually within one business day. You should see the payment post to your IRS account within a few days after that.
Keep your confirmation number and receipt. If you need to dispute the charge or verify the payment went through, you'll need this documentation. The processor will also email you a receipt, so check your email (including spam folders) within a few hours of payment.
When a credit card payment makes sense
A credit card payment works best if you're paying a small amount and can pay off the card when ready. For example, if you owe $800 and can pay it off within the month, the $15 to $19 fee is a reasonable cost for the convenience of not having to find the cash right now.
A credit card payment is usually not the right choice if you're carrying a balance on the card or if you'll need to carry the payment as a balance. Credit card interest rates typically run 18% to 25% per year, which is far more expensive than the IRS payment fee. If you can't pay the full amount when ready, a payment plan with the IRS (which charges a setup fee but no interest) is usually cheaper.
You also cannot use a credit card to set up a payment plan with the IRS. The card is only for paying the full amount due right now. If you need to spread payments over time, you'll need to contact the IRS directly about a payment plan.
What happens after you pay with a credit card
The IRS treats a credit card payment the same as any other payment — it reduces what you owe. Once the payment posts to your account (usually within a few days), your balance will be updated. You can check your account balance on the IRS website using your Social Security number and filing status.
If you paid more than you owed, the IRS will either refund the overpayment or explore it to next year's estimated taxes if you request that. If you underpaid and still owe, the IRS will charge interest and penalties on the remaining balance starting from the original due date.
The credit card processor does not report this as a payment plan to the IRS. You are straightforward using the card as your payment method. The full amount is due when ready — the card just lets you defer paying from your bank account.
Alternatives if you can't pay the full amount
If you owe more than you can pay right now, even with a credit card, the IRS offers other options. A short-term extension gives you 120 days to pay without a payment plan. An installment agreement lets you pay in monthly chunks; the IRS charges a setup fee (usually $31 to $225 depending on the method) but no interest on top of the regular interest and penalties.
You can also request Currently Not Collectible status if you're facing serious financial hardship. This temporarily pauses collection action, though interest and penalties keep accruing. To explore these options, contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 or visit irs.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will paying with a credit card hurt my credit score?
No. The IRS payment processors do not report to credit bureaus. However, if you carry a balance on the credit card after making the payment, that will affect your credit utilization ratio and could lower your score slightly. Paying off the card when ready avoids this.
Can I use a debit card instead of a credit card?
No. The IRS payment processors only accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover). You cannot use a debit card, prepaid card, or gift card. If you don't have a credit card, a payment plan or short-term extension through the IRS is your next option.
What if the payment processor's website is down or I get an error?
Try one of the other two processors instead. If all three are unavailable, you can mail a check to the IRS or set up a payment plan by phone at 1-800-829-1040. The processors are separate companies, so one being down doesn't affect the others.
Do I need to report the convenience fee on my taxes?
No. The convenience fee is not tax-deductible. It's a cost of paying your tax bill, not a tax-related expense. You only deduct actual tax preparation fees or tax information fees, not payment processing charges.
Can I pay someone else's IRS bill with my credit card?
No. The payment processors require that the Social Security number or EIN on the payment match the credit card holder's information. You cannot pay a spouse's, family member's, or business partner's tax bill using your own card.