Yes, you can pay the IRS with a credit card, but the IRS itself does not accept credit cards directly
The IRS does not take credit card payments over the phone, by mail, or through its website. Instead, you must use a third-party payment processor that the IRS has authorized. These processors charge a convenience fee — typically 1.87% to 2.35% of your payment — on top of what you owe. You pay the processor, not the IRS, and the processor sends the money to the IRS on your behalf.
The three authorized processors are Worldpay, Official Payments, and ACI Payments. Each one operates independently and sets its own fee. You choose which processor to use based on which fee is lowest for your payment amount and which payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account) you prefer.
Key Takeaways
- You must use one of three IRS-authorized payment processors — Worldpay, Official Payments, or ACI Payments — because the IRS does not accept credit cards directly.
- Each processor charges a convenience fee between roughly 1.87% and 2.35% of your payment, so a $5,000 payment costs $94 to $118 extra.
- You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or bank account through any of the three processors, and the payment reaches the IRS within one business day.
- The IRS website links to all three processors so you can compare fees before you choose one.
The three authorized payment processors and their fees
Worldpay, Official Payments, and ACI Payments are the only processors the IRS permits. You can find links to all three on the IRS payment page at irs.gov. Each processor's fee varies slightly and may depend on the payment method you use.
Worldpay charges a fee that ranges from about 1.87% to 2.35% depending on whether you pay with a credit card, debit card, or bank account. Official Payments charges between 1.87% and 2.35% as well. ACI Payments also charges in that range. The exact fee for your transaction appears on the processor's website before you confirm the payment, so you can see the total cost before you commit.
Because fees differ slightly between processors and may change, compare the total cost across all three before you pay. A processor's website will show you the exact fee for your specific payment amount and method in real time.
How to pay through a processor
Visit irs.gov and search for "payment." The IRS payment page lists all three processors with links to each one. Click the link to the processor you choose.
On the processor's website, enter your tax information. You will need your Social Security number or employer identification number, the tax year the payment covers, and the amount you are paying. The processor will then show you the convenience fee and the total amount that will be charged to your card or account.
Enter your credit card, debit card, or bank account information. The processor will confirm the payment when ready. The IRS receives the payment within one business day. You will receive a confirmation number from the processor — save this for your records.
When credit card payment makes sense
Paying the IRS with a credit card costs more than paying by check or bank transfer because of the convenience fee. A check costs nothing and takes longer to process. A direct bank transfer through the IRS's electronic payment system (EFTPS) also costs nothing.
Credit card payment is worth the fee if you need to pay quickly, want to earn credit card rewards on the payment, or do not have when ready access to your bank account. The fee is tax-deductible if you itemize deductions, which means the actual cost to you is lower than the stated percentage.
Payment timing and confirmation
The processor sends your payment to the IRS within one business day. The IRS applies the payment to your account within two to three business days after that. You will see the payment reflected in your IRS account online.
The processor gives you a confirmation number when ready after you pay. Write down this number or save the confirmation email. If you need to prove you paid, this confirmation is your proof until the IRS posts the payment to your account.
What happens if you cannot pay in full
If you owe more than you can pay right now, you do not have to pay the entire balance at once. You can set up a payment plan with the IRS, make a partial payment now, or request a delay. These options do not require a credit card — you can arrange them through the IRS directly by phone, mail, or online.
Interest and penalties continue to accrue on any unpaid balance, so paying sooner rather than later reduces the total amount you owe. Even a partial credit card payment now, followed by a payment plan for the rest, costs less overall than waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any credit card?
Yes. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are all accepted by the three processors. The processor's website will tell you which cards it takes before you enter your card number.
Will paying with a credit card delay my refund?
No. If you owe taxes and pay by credit card, it does not affect any refund you may receive in a future year. The payment goes toward your current tax debt only.
Can I pay a penalty or interest with a credit card?
Yes. The processor accepts payment for the full amount owed, including penalties and interest. Enter the total amount the IRS says you owe, and the processor will charge that amount plus its fee.
What if the processor's website is down?
If a processor's site is unavailable, try one of the other two. All three are authorized and will send your payment to the IRS. You can also pay by check, bank transfer, or payment plan if you prefer to avoid the processors entirely.
Is the convenience fee the same every time?
No. Fees vary slightly between processors and may change over time. Always check the exact fee on the processor's website before you confirm payment, because the fee is calculated as a percentage of your payment amount.