Here’s How Taxpayers Can Pay Their Taxes

No on likes to pay taxes.  But the IRS is trying to make it easier by offering several different ways for taxpayers to pay their tax liability immediately, or arrange to pay their tax bill in installments.

Taxpayers can pay online, by phone, or now with a smartphone and the IRS2Go app.  Whatever method they choose, taxpayers should pay in full whenever possible so that they avoid interest and penalty charges.

Here are some of the electronic payment options for taxpayers:

• Electronic Funds Withdrawal. Taxpayers can pay using their bank account when they e-file their tax return. EFW is free and only available through e-File.
• Direct Pay. Taxpayers can pay directly from a checking or savings account for free with IRS Direct Pay. Taxpayers receive instant confirmation after they submit a payment. With Direct Pay, taxpayers can schedule payments up to 30 days in advance. They can change or cancel their payment two business days before the scheduled payment date. Taxpayers can choose to receive email notifications each time they make a payment.
• Credit or debit cards. Taxpayers can also pay their taxes by debit or credit card online, by phone, or with a mobile device. Card payment processing fees vary by service provider and no part of the service fee goes to the IRS. Telephone numbers for service providers are at IRS.gov/payments.
• Pay with cash. Taxpayers can make a cash payment at a participating retail partner. Taxpayers can do this at more than 7,000 locations nationwide. Taxpayers can visit IRS.gov/paywithcash for instructions on how to pay with cash.
• Installment agreement. Taxpayers who are unable to pay their tax debt immediately may be able to make monthly payments. Before applying for any payment agreement, taxpayers must file all required tax returns. They can apply for an installment agreement with the Online Payment Agreement tool, which also has more information about who’s eligible to apply for a monthly installment agreement.

Anyone who wants to use their mobile device may access the IRS2GoApp and pay with either Direct Pay or by debit or credit card.  IRS2Go is the official mobile app of the IRS and is available at Google Play, the Apple App Store or the Amazon app store.

Taxpayers may also visit IRS.gov/account and log into their account.  There they can view their complete IRS history — taxes owed, payment history, federal tax records and key information from their most recent tax return as originally filed.