Make a Tax Payment
Paying your taxes on time is critical to avoiding costly penalties and interest accumulation. Whether you owe a balance on your annual Form 1040, need to make quarterly estimated tax payments (Form 1040-ES), or are setting up an installment agreement, using the official government portals is the safest and fastest method.
You generally have two primary options for paying federal taxes: Direct Pay (directly from your bank account) and Credit/Debit Card. Direct Pay is free and secure, while card payments involve a processing fee paid to a third-party payment processor.
Federal Payments (IRS)
IRS Direct Pay
Recommended. Pay directly from your checking or savings account for free. You receive instant confirmation and can schedule payments up to 365 days in advance. You will need a prior year tax return to verify your identity.
Pay by Debit or Credit Card
The IRS does not process card payments directly; they use authorized third-party processors (like ACI Payments, PayUSAtax, etc).Note: Processors charge a fee (approx 1.87% - 1.98%).
Payment Plans (Installment Agreements)
If you cannot pay in full, apply for an Online Payment Agreement (OPA) to pay your balance over time. Interest and penalties still apply to the unpaid balance, but an agreement prevents collection actions.
State Tax Payment Portals
Find Your State Portal
Most states have their own "Direct Pay" equivalent on their Department of Revenue website.
- •Use .gov WebsitesAlways check the URL. Official state and federal payment portals typically end in .gov.
- •Beware of ScamsThe IRS will never call you demanding immediate payment via gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
- •Keep RecordsPrint or save your confirmation number. IRS systems take time to update; this number is your proof of payment.