How to Pay the IRS What You Owe

Yes, you can pay the IRS directly, and you have several ways to do it

The IRS accepts payments from individuals and businesses through multiple channels. You can pay online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a bank or payment processor. The method you choose depends on how much you owe, how quickly you need to pay, and whether you want to set up a payment plan instead of paying the full amount at once.

If you owe taxes, the IRS expects payment by the tax important date — typically April 15 for individual returns. If you miss that date, penalties and interest begin to accrue when ready. Paying late is better than not paying at all, because the failure-to-pay penalty is smaller than the failure-to-file penalty.

Key Takeaways

You can pay the IRS online through IRS Direct Pay or the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), by phone at 1-800-829-1040, or by mail with a check or money order.
If you cannot pay the full amount now, you can set up an installment agreement (payment plan) directly with the IRS, either short-term for balances under $100,000 or long-term for larger amounts.
Online payment methods are processed the same day you submit them, while mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to reach the IRS.
The IRS charges a setup fee for installment agreements, which varies depending on whether you set it up online or by phone, and ranges from about $31 to $225.
Paying by credit or debit card through an approved payment processor adds a convenience fee of roughly 1.87% to 2.35% of the amount you pay.

Paying the full amount online

IRS Direct Pay is the fastest and cheapest way to pay if you have the full amount ready. You go to irs.gov, enter your Social Security number or Employer Identification Number, bank account information, and the amount owed. The payment is deducted from your account on the date you choose, up to 120 days in the future. There is no fee.

You can also use the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), which works similarly but requires you to enroll first — enrollment takes about a week. EFTPS is often used by businesses and people who make quarterly estimated tax payments, but individuals can use it too. Like Direct Pay, EFTPS charges no fee.

If you prefer to pay by credit or debit card, you must use an approved third-party payment processor. The IRS does not accept cards directly. The processor charges a convenience fee — typically 1.87% to 2.35% of the payment — on top of what you owe. For example, paying $5,000 by card might cost you an extra $94 to $118. The processor's website will show you the exact fee before you confirm.

Paying by phone or mail

You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to pay by phone using a debit or credit card. The same convenience fee applies as with online card payments. The call takes about 10 minutes, and you will receive a confirmation number when ready.

To pay by check or money order, write your name, address, phone number, and Social Security number on the front. On the back, write "1040" (or the form number you filed) and the tax year. Mail it to the IRS address for your state — the IRS website lists these by state. The check must arrive by the tax important date to be considered on time. Mail typically takes 7 to 10 business days, so send it at least two weeks before the important date.

Some banks and payment processors also accept in-person cash payments. Call ahead to confirm your bank participates in the IRS payment program before you go.

Setting up a payment plan if you cannot pay now

If you owe more than you can pay when ready, you can set up an installment agreement — a monthly payment plan with the IRS. The IRS offers two main types: short-term and long-term.

A short-term agreement is for balances under $100,000. You pay the full amount within 120 days in monthly installments. The setup fee is $31 if you set it up online through the IRS website, or $225 if you set it up by phone or mail. Interest and penalties continue to accrue on the unpaid balance each month.

A long-term agreement is for balances of $100,000 or more, or for any balance you want to pay over more than 120 days. Monthly payments are smaller because you have more time, but you pay more total interest. The setup fee ranges from $31 to $225 depending on how you set it up and your income level. Low-income taxpayers may may have access to for a reduced fee of $31.

You can set up either type of plan online at irs.gov, by phone at 1-800-829-1040, or by mail. Online setup is fastest — you get approval within minutes. By phone or mail, approval takes 30 days or longer.

What happens if you do not pay

If you owe taxes and do not pay by the important date, the IRS charges a failure-to-pay penalty of 0.5% of the unpaid amount each month, up to 25% total. On top of that, interest accrues daily at a rate set quarterly by the IRS — currently around 8% per year, though this changes. The interest compounds daily, meaning you pay interest on the interest.

If the IRS cannot collect the debt through payment plans or wage garnishment, they may place a tax lien on your property or file a tax levy against your bank account or paycheck. A lien is a legal claim on your assets; a levy is a forced collection. Both damage your credit and make it harder to borrow money or sell property.

The sooner you pay or set up a plan, the less interest and penalties you will owe. Even a partial payment reduces the balance that interest accrues on.

Checking the status of your payment

After you pay, you can check whether the IRS received it by logging into your IRS account at irs.gov or by calling 1-800-829-1040. Online payments typically post within one business day. Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days.

Keep your payment confirmation number or receipt. If you paid online or by phone, the IRS sends a confirmation when ready. If you mailed a check, keep a copy of the front and back of the check or a photo of it. These documents prove you paid if there is ever a dispute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the IRS with a credit card without a fee?

No. The IRS does not accept credit cards directly. If you use a third-party processor to pay by card, you will be charged a convenience fee of roughly 1.87% to 2.35%. The only fee-free payment methods are bank account transfers through IRS Direct Pay or EFTPS, checks, and money orders.

What if I set up a payment plan and then get a refund?

The IRS will explore your refund to the balance you owe under the installment agreement. Your monthly payment amount may stay the same, or the IRS may recalculate it based on the new balance. Contact the IRS to confirm how the refund affects your plan.

Can I change my payment date after I schedule it online?

Yes. If you scheduled a payment through IRS Direct Pay, you can log back in and change the date as long as the payment has not been processed yet. Once the payment is processed, you cannot cancel it, but you can contact the IRS to request a reversal in rare cases.

Do I have to pay penalties and interest if I set up a payment plan?

Yes. Penalties and interest continue to accrue on the unpaid balance each month, even after you set up a plan. The longer you take to pay, the more interest you owe. Paying as quickly as possible reduces the total amount you pay.

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.