Yes, you can pay the IRS directly from your checking account

The IRS accepts payments drawn directly from your checking account through a system called the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS). You set up an account, schedule the payment date and amount, and the IRS pulls the money from your bank on the date you choose. This works whether you owe taxes, are paying an estimated quarterly payment, or are sending in a payment on an existing tax bill.

The payment goes straight to the IRS — not through a third party — and there is no fee for using EFTPS. You can schedule payments up to 120 days in advance, which means you can set them up well before a important date and know exactly when the money will leave your account.

Key Takeaways

  • EFTPS is the IRS's free system for paying taxes directly from your checking account, and you must enroll before you can use it.
  • You can pay by phone, online at eftps.gov, or through your bank's bill pay system if your bank is set up to receive IRS payments.
  • Payments scheduled through EFTPS take effect on the date you choose, so you control when the money leaves your account.
  • If you use a third-party tax software or payment processor instead, you may be charged a fee, even though EFTPS itself is free.

How to enroll in EFTPS

You need an EFTPS account before you can make a payment. Go to eftps.gov and select "Enroll Now." You will need your Social Security number or Employer Identification Number (EIN), your date of birth, and your mailing address on file with the IRS.

The IRS will mail you a Personal Identification Number (PIN) within two weeks. Once you receive it, you can log in and start scheduling payments. If you need to pay before your PIN arrives, you can pay by phone at 1-800-555-4477 using a temporary PIN they provide during enrollment.

Three ways to pay once you are enrolled

Through EFTPS online: Log in at eftps.gov, enter the amount, select your checking account, and choose the payment date. The payment is confirmed when ready, and you get a confirmation number.

By phone: Call 1-800-555-4477 and follow the automated prompts. You will need your EFTPS PIN and checking account information. Payments can be scheduled up to 120 days ahead.

Through your bank's bill pay: Many banks let you pay the IRS directly through their bill pay system without logging into EFTPS separately. Ask your bank whether they accept IRS payments and whether they route them through EFTPS (which is free) or through a third-party processor (which may charge a fee).

What happens after you schedule a payment

Once you schedule a payment, the IRS sends you a confirmation number. Write this down or save it — you will need it if you ever need to verify that the payment was received. The money leaves your checking account on the exact date you chose, not before.

The IRS typically posts the payment to your account within one business day of the scheduled date. If you are paying an existing bill, the payment reduces what you owe. If you are paying estimated quarterly taxes, the payment is credited to the quarter you specify.

When to use EFTPS versus other payment methods

EFTPS is free and gives you full control over the payment date, so it is the best choice if you have time to plan ahead. If you are paying through tax software (like TurboTax or H&R Block), those companies often offer to pay the IRS for you, but they typically charge a fee — sometimes $15 to $30 — even though EFTPS itself costs nothing.

You can also pay by check, money order, or credit card, but each method has trade-offs. Checks take longer to process, and credit card payments charge a processing fee. EFTPS remains the fastest free option if your bank account is set up and ready.

What to do if you do not have a checking account

EFTPS requires a U.S. checking or savings account. If you do not have one, you can still pay the IRS by check, money order, or credit card. Some people use a prepaid card linked to a bank account, though you should confirm with the card issuer that the IRS will accept it.

If you are new to banking or rebuilding your credit, opening a checking account is often simpler than you might expect. Many banks and credit unions offer accounts with low or no minimum balance, and some have no monthly fee.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not confuse EFTPS with paying through a tax preparation website. Many tax sites offer to file your return and pay the IRS in one step, but they route the payment through a processor that charges a fee. If you want to avoid the fee, use EFTPS directly instead.

Do not schedule a payment for the important date date itself. The IRS considers a payment on time if it is scheduled by the important date, but if something goes wrong with the bank transfer, you want a buffer. Schedule payments at least one business day before the important date.

Do not lose your confirmation number. Keep it with your tax records. If the IRS ever says they did not receive a payment, the confirmation number proves you scheduled it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel or change a payment after I schedule it?

Yes, but only if you cancel before the scheduled payment date. Log into EFTPS, find the pending payment, and cancel it. You can then schedule a new payment for a different date or amount. If the payment has already been processed, you cannot cancel it through EFTPS — you would need to contact the IRS.

What if my bank rejects the payment?

If your bank declines the payment (for example, because you do not have enough funds), the IRS will not receive it and you will owe the tax plus penalties and interest. The EFTPS system will notify you of the rejection. Contact your bank to find out why it was declined, then schedule the payment again once the issue is fixed.

Do I need to enroll in EFTPS every year?

No. Once you enroll, your EFTPS account stays active as long as you use it at least once every two years. If your account becomes inactive, you can reactivate it by logging in or calling the EFTPS phone line.

Is EFTPS safe?

EFTPS uses encryption and requires a PIN to log in, so it is as find as online banking. The IRS never asks for your PIN by email or phone, so if someone contacts you claiming to be the IRS and asks for your EFTPS PIN, it is a scam.

Can I pay state taxes the same way?

No. EFTPS is for federal taxes only. Each state has its own payment system. Check your state's tax agency website to find out how to pay state income tax directly from your checking account.