Pay to IRS

You can pay taxes you owe to the IRS online, by phone, by mail, or with cash.

Electronic Payment Options (Fastest and Free or Low-Fee)

• IRS Direct Pay: Pay directly from your checking or savings account for free. You do not need to register or log in.

• IRS Online Account: Log into your IRS Online Account to pay using a bank account, debit card, credit card, or digital wallet (like PayPal or Venmo). Processing fees apply to cards and digital wallets. 

• Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS): A free system managed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury for individual and business payments by phone or online (enrollment required). 

• Tax Software: Pay your balance electronically at the same time you e-file your tax return using commercial tax software or through a tax professional.

Traditional & Retail Payment Options

• Check or Money Order: Make your check or money order payable to the "United States Treasury". Include your name, address, daytime phone number, tax year, and SSN/EIN on the memo line. If you are mailing a payment separately from a return, attach Form 1040-V (Payment Voucher) and mail it to the address listed on the form. Never mail cash.

• Cash: Pay with cash in person at participating retail partner locations via PayNearMe (limits and third-party fees apply). You must initiate the process first at IRS.gov/paywithcash.

If You Cannot Pay in Full

• Short-Term Payment Plan: Request up to 180 additional days to pay your full balance online with no setup fee (though penalties and interest still accrue).

• Long-Term Installment Agreement: Set up monthly payments if you owe $50,000 or less in combined tax, penalties, and interest. Setup fees apply unless you qualify for low-income reductions.

• Offer in Compromise (OIC): An agreement that allows qualifying taxpayers to settle their tax liability for a lower amount if paying the full amount creates severe financial hardship.