Where to make IRS tax payments

Sugam Sharma

Pick the method that fits your situation

• IRS Direct Pay (bank) — Free and fast for individuals; great for estimates and balances due.
• EFTPS — Ideal for businesses and payroll deposits; set roles, schedule ahead, export confirmations.
• Debit/credit card — Convenient; processor fees apply. Keep both the processor receipt and IRS confirmation.
• IRS Online Account — View balances, set payment plans, and make/schedule payments in one dashboard.
• Cash at retail partner — Available at authorized retailers with IRS barcode and ID.

Avoid these common mistakes

• Choosing the wrong tax form or tax period (e.g., applying to 1040 instead of 1040-ES)
• Paying under the wrong SSN/EIN or business entity
• Not saving the confirmation code/receipt for your records

What to do if a payment is misapplied

 

Call the IRS with your confirmation number and request a transfer to the correct period/form. Document date, agent ID, and outcome for your files.

 

We’ll build a simple, repeatable payment checklist for your team