How to Pay the IRS When You Have a Tax Bill

One of the questions I get most often from taxpayers is how to pay the IRS when you have a tax bill. First, a little advice. If you cannot afford to pay, file anyway. There are two kinds of penalties that can affect taxpayers: failure-to-file and failure-to-pay. The failure-to-file penalty (when you owe taxes) is much more expensive. So even if you can’t afford to pay, you should try to file on time.

Here’s a look at ways to pay your taxes now (if you’re looking for how to pay your bill when you don’t have the ability—or don’t think you owe—that’s coming later):

Pay By Check Or Money Order

In 2025, President Trump signed an executive order requiring federal agencies, including the IRS, to stop issuing paper checks and instead use direct deposit, prepaid cards, and other digital payment methods. Over time, payments made to federal agencies, including paper checks, will also be phased out in favor of electronic methods. For now, however, the IRS is still accepting checks.

To pay by check or money order, make yours payable to the U.S. Treasury. Include the following information: your name and address, your daytime phone number, the tax year for which the payment is made, the tax form (typically Form 1040), and your Social Security number, employer identification number, or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) on the memo line. Mail your check with Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher, to the correct mailing address. You can use my handy-dandy chart here.

And you’ll want to plan carefully and in advance if you owe a large amount, because the IRS won’t accept single checks or money orders for $100 million or more. (You’re welcome.)

Pay By Cash

If you prefer to pay in cash, the IRS has partnered with VanillaDirect at participating retail stores, including Dollar General, Family Dollar, CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, 7-Eleven, and Walmart (fees apply). You can find a map of participating locations here. You can pay up to $500 per payment. Some other limits may apply. Remember: DO NOT send cash through the mail.

Pay By Wire

You may be able to make a same-day wire. To make a payment, download the same-day taxpayer worksheet, complete it, and take it to your bank. (If you are paying for more than one tax form or tax period, complete a separate worksheet for each payment.) Some taxpayers (especially those who are located abroad) have advised that this can be a bit complicated, so I absolutely suggest contacting your bank well in advance for availability, fees, and cut-off times Pay by credit or debit card, or digital wallet. You can pay by credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club International, China Union Pay, JCB, STAR, Pulse, NYCE, Accel, AFFN, Cirrus, Interlink, Jeanie, Shazam, Maestro) or via a digital wallet (Click to Pay, PayPal) through an IRS-approved third-party payment processor. The IRS doesn’t charge a fee for this service, but the platforms will. Pay as much as you can upfront, since you’re limited to two credit card payments per year for Form 1040 payments. Credit card interest and other fees can add up, so if you know you won’t be able to pay off the balance, consider other options. And keep in mind that card processing fees may be tax-deductible for business taxes but not for individual taxes. Your card statement will list your payment as “United States Treasury Tax Payment” and your fee as “Tax Payment Convenience Fee” or something similar. For card payments of $100,000 or more, special requirements may apply.

Pay From Your IRS Online Account

I’m a big fan of taxpayers using their online accounts on irs.gov (find out how to access yours here). In addition to checking your balance and reading your IRS notices, you can make a same-day payment or schedule payments up to 365 days in advance from your bank account. To make a payment, go to the IRS website and either log in to your account or create one.

Pay Online From Your Bank Account

Direct Pay is a free IRS service that lets you pay taxes online directly from your bank account. It’s free, and no sign-in is required. The best part? You can schedule your payment in advance and change or cancel it within 2 days of the scheduled payment. To pay, choose the “Make a Payment” option on the main Direct Pay page. You’ll then select the reason for your payment (such as balance due) and the tax year to which it should be applied. You can’t make more than five payments in 24 hours, and no payment can exceed $10 million. Looking for more info? To help you sort out how to pay from your IRS online account or your bank account, I’ve created a step-by-step guide. You can download the guide and keep it handy.

An important reminder: because tax-related scams are so common, it is always a good idea to go directly to IRS.gov rather than clicking on a link (especially for payment) in an unexpected email, text, or social media post. If you have questions about your balance or payment, start with the official IRS website.