The IRS accepts six main payment methods, and the one you choose affects how fast your payment reaches them and what records you get back
You can pay the IRS by credit card or debit card, electronic bank transfer, check or money order, cash, installment agreement, or payroll deduction. Each method has different processing times, fees, and paper trails. The fastest routes are electronic: a bank transfer or card payment can post within one business day. The slowest is mail, which takes weeks. If you owe a large amount and cannot pay in full right now, installment agreements and payroll deduction let you spread payments over time.
Key Takeaways
- Credit cards and debit cards process within one business day but charge a convenience fee of 1.87% to 2.35% of the payment amount.
- Electronic bank transfers (ACH) are free and process within one business day when you use IRS Direct Pay or the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS).
- Checks and money orders mailed to the IRS take two to four weeks to post and require you to write your Social Security number or EIN on the front.
- Cash payments are accepted only in person at an IRS office or through a third-party payment processor, and you must get a receipt to prove payment.
- If you cannot pay in full, a payment plan (installment agreement) or payroll deduction spreads the cost over months or years with a setup fee.
Credit and Debit Card Payments
The IRS does not accept cards directly. Instead, you pay through a third-party payment processor — a company the IRS has authorized to take card payments on its behalf. The three processors are Worldpay, Paymetrics, and Global Payments. Each charges a convenience fee that ranges from 1.87% to 2.35% of the amount you pay. On a $5,000 payment, that fee runs $93.50 to $117.50.
You can reach all three processors through the IRS website at irs.gov, under "Pay Your Tax Bill." Each processor's website looks different, but they all ask for the same information: your Social Security number or EIN, the tax year, the amount, and your card details. Processing takes one business day. You receive a confirmation number when ready and should save it as proof of payment.
Card payments work well if you need to pay quickly and have the cash available. They are slower than bank transfers but faster than mail. The convenience fee is the trade-off for speed and the ability to use rewards points or float the payment on credit.
Electronic Bank Transfers (ACH)
Electronic bank transfers are free and the fastest non-card method. The IRS offers two systems: IRS Direct Pay and the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS). Both pull money directly from your bank account and post within one business day. Neither charges a fee.
IRS Direct Pay is simpler if you are paying once or twice a year. You go to irs.gov, enter your bank account and routing number, and schedule the payment for a date you choose. The system confirms the payment when ready and emails you a confirmation number. You do not need to set up an account in advance.
EFTPS is designed for people who pay regularly — businesses, self-employed people, or anyone making quarterly estimated payments. You create an account on eftps.gov, enroll your bank account, and then schedule payments whenever you need them. The enrollment process takes one to two business days. Once enrolled, you can schedule payments up to 120 days in advance.
Both systems work with checking and savings accounts at any U.S. bank. Both let you choose the payment date, so you can time the withdrawal to match your cash flow. If you miss a important date, you can still use either system — the IRS accepts late payments through both methods.
Checks and Money Orders Sent by Mail
Mailing a check or money order is the oldest method and still works, but it is slow. The IRS takes two to four weeks to receive and post a mailed payment. During that time, interest and penalties continue to accrue on any unpaid balance. If you are close to a important date, mail is not the right choice.
Write your Social Security number or EIN on the front of the check or money order, along with the tax year and form type (for example, "2023 Form 1040"). This information helps the IRS match the payment to your account. Mail the payment to the address listed in your tax notice or on the IRS website — the address varies by state.
Keep a copy of the front and back of the check or a photo of the money order receipt. The IRS does not send confirmation of receipt, so your bank statement and your copy are your only proof that you sent it. If the payment goes missing in the mail, your proof helps you dispute the claim that you never paid.
Cash Payments in Person
You can pay cash at an IRS office, but only during office hours and only if you bring a notice or bill showing what you owe. Not all IRS offices accept walk-in payments, so call ahead to confirm. You can find your local office on irs.gov under "Contact Us."
You can also pay cash through a third-party payment processor — the same companies that handle card payments (Worldpay, Paymetrics, Global Payments) accept cash at authorized retail locations. You can find participating locations through the processor's website. You pay a small fee (usually $1 to $3) and receive a receipt when ready. The receipt is your proof of payment.
Cash payments post within one business day. They are useful if you do not have a bank account or do not want to use a card. The downside is that you have to be in person and the fee is non-refundable.
Payment Plans and Payroll Deduction
If you cannot pay the full amount right now, the IRS offers two ways to spread the cost: a payment plan (installment agreement) and payroll deduction.
A payment plan lets you pay what you owe in monthly installments. The IRS charges a setup fee ($31 to $225, depending on the method you choose) and interest on the unpaid balance. You can set up a plan online through the IRS website, by phone, or by mail. Once approved, you make monthly payments by any of the methods listed above — card, bank transfer, check, or cash. The plan stays in place until the debt is paid off.
Payroll deduction is available only if you are employed. The IRS contacts your employer and arranges for a fixed amount to be withheld from your paycheck each pay period and sent to the IRS. There is no setup fee for payroll deduction, and it is often the cheapest way to pay over time. The downside is that you lose control of the amount — the IRS and your employer decide it together.
Comparing Payment Methods by Speed and Cost
| Payment Method | Processing Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRS Direct Pay (bank transfer) | 1 business day | Free | One-time or occasional payments |
| EFTPS (bank transfer) | 1 business day | Free | Regular or quarterly payments |
| Credit or debit card | 1 business day | 1.87% to 2.35% fee | When you need rewards or want to float the payment |
| Check or money order by mail | 2 to 4 weeks | Postage only | When you have time and prefer paper records |
| Cash in person | 1 business day | $1 to $3 fee (at retail) or free (at IRS office) | When you do not have a bank account |
| Payment plan (installment) | Ongoing (monthly) | $31 to $225 setup fee plus interest | When you cannot pay in full now |
| Payroll deduction | Ongoing (per paycheck) | No setup fee; interest applies | When you are employed and want the lowest cost |
What Happens After You Pay
The IRS posts payments to your account within one to three business days, depending on the method. During that window, interest and penalties continue to accrue on any unpaid balance. Once the payment posts, the IRS sends you a notice showing the new balance (if any) and the date of payment.
Keep your confirmation number or receipt until you receive the notice. If the payment does not show up after five business days, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 with your confirmation number. The IRS can trace the payment and confirm whether it was received.
If you overpay — for example, you send $5,000 but only owe $4,800 — the IRS will either refund the overpayment or explore it to a future tax bill, depending on what you request. You can specify which year the overpayment should go toward when you make the payment, or you can request a refund after the payment posts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay the IRS with a gift card or cryptocurrency?
No. The IRS accepts only the six methods listed above: cards, bank transfers, checks, cash, payment plans, and payroll deduction. Gift cards and cryptocurrency are not accepted. If you want to convert cryptocurrency to cash and then pay by one of the accepted methods, you can do that, but the IRS itself does not take digital currency.
What if I pay by card and then dispute the charge with my bank?
Disputing a payment to the IRS with your bank is risky. The IRS will treat the disputed charge as an unpaid debt and continue to add interest and penalties. If you believe the charge was wrong, contact the payment processor directly to correct it, or contact the IRS to discuss the debt. Disputing with your bank without resolving the underlying tax issue will make the problem worse.
Is there a limit to how much I can pay at once?
IRS Direct Pay and EFTPS have no stated limit. Card payments through third-party processors may have limits set by the processor or your card issuer — check with the processor's website or your bank. Checks and money orders have no limit. Cash payments in person may be limited by the IRS office or retail location, so ask when you arrive.
Do I have to pay by the same method I filed my return?
No. You can file your return one way and pay by a completely different method. For example, you can file electronically and mail a check, or file by paper and pay by card. The filing method and payment method are separate.
What if I cannot afford any of these payment methods right now?
Contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 to discuss your situation. The IRS has programs for people in financial hardship, including temporary delays in collection and reduced payment plans. You may also be able to request an Offer in Compromise, which lets you settle the debt for less than you owe, though this is rare and requires proof of hardship. A payment plan is usually the first step.