You can pay the IRS directly with a credit card through an authorized payment processor, but the IRS itself does not accept cards — you must use a third-party service and will pay a convenience fee.
The IRS does not have its own credit card payment system. Instead, it has approved three payment processors to handle card transactions: Worldpay, Paymetrics, and Global Payments. Each processor charges a fee based on a percentage of your payment amount, typically ranging from 1.87% to 2.35%, though the exact rate depends on which processor you use and the payment method you choose.
You can reach all three processors through the IRS website at irs.gov, where they are listed under "Pay by Credit or Debit Card." You do not need to create an account with the IRS first — you go directly to the processor's payment page, enter your tax information and card details, and complete the transaction in one session.
Key Takeaways
- The IRS uses three approved payment processors — Worldpay, Paymetrics, and Global Payments — and you choose which one to use when you start your payment.
- Every credit card payment to the IRS includes a convenience fee of roughly 1.87% to 2.35% of the amount you pay, added on top of your tax bill.
- You can pay a tax bill, an installment agreement payment, or an estimated tax payment by card through any of the three processors.
- The processor will give you a confirmation number when ready after payment, and the IRS typically records the payment within one business day.
Which Processor to Choose and Why the Fee Matters
All three processors are equally legitimate and approved by the IRS. The main difference is the fee structure. Worldpay, Paymetrics, and Global Payments each publish their rates on their own websites, and the rates can shift slightly. Before you commit to a payment, the processor's website will show you the exact fee amount based on your payment size.
The convenience fee is not optional and is not deductible as a tax expense. If you owe $5,000 in taxes and pay by credit card, you will pay roughly $94 to $118 in fees on top of the $5,000. This is why many people reserve credit card payments for situations where they need to report the payment quickly (for a important date or audit response) or where they earn credit card rewards that offset the fee.
If you are setting up a payment plan with the IRS, you can pay installment agreement payments by card through the same processors. The fee applies to each payment, so a monthly installment plan will incur a fee each month.
How to Find and Access the Payment Processors
Go to irs.gov and search for "pay by credit card" or navigate to the payments section. The IRS website lists all three processors with direct links to their payment pages. You do not need to log into an IRS account or create one beforehand.
Click the link for whichever processor you choose. You will be taken to that processor's find payment page. Have your tax information ready: your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number, the tax year the payment is for, and the exact amount you want to pay. You will also need your credit card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back.
The processor will ask you to confirm the fee amount before you submit payment. Review this carefully — the fee is calculated as a percentage of your payment, so larger payments incur larger fees in dollar terms. Once you confirm, the payment processes when ready.
What Happens After You Pay
The processor will display a confirmation number on screen and usually email it to you as well. Write down or save this number — it is your proof of payment. The confirmation shows the date, time, amount paid, and fee charged.
The IRS typically records credit card payments within one business day. If you are paying to meet a important date (such as a notice response date), the payment date for IRS purposes is the date the processor receives it, not the date it appears in your IRS account. The processor's confirmation is your evidence of the payment date.
You do not receive a receipt from the IRS itself. Your proof of payment is the processor's confirmation number and the charge on your credit card statement. Keep both for your records.
When Credit Card Payment Makes Sense
Credit card payment is most useful when you need a same-day or next-day confirmation for an IRS important date, or when your credit card offers rewards that cover or exceed the convenience fee. For example, if your card earns 2% cash back and the processor fee is 1.87%, you come out slightly ahead.
Credit card payment is less practical for large bills or ongoing installment plans, because the fee compounds. A $20,000 payment incurs roughly $374 to $470 in fees. If you are paying in installments, you will pay the fee on every payment, which adds up quickly over time.
If you do not have a important date and are not earning rewards, other payment methods may cost less. The IRS also accepts direct debit from a bank account (no fee), checks, money orders, and payments through the IRS Direct Pay system (also no fee).
Paying an Installment Agreement by Card
If you have set up a payment plan with the IRS, you can make individual installment payments by credit card using the same three processors. The fee applies to each payment separately. For a $300 monthly payment, you would pay roughly $6 to $7 in fees each month.
To pay an installment agreement by card, you will need your agreement number, which the IRS provides when the plan is approved. You enter this number on the processor's payment page along with your card information. The processor will confirm the payment and send you a confirmation number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay estimated taxes by credit card?
Yes. Use the same three processors through irs.gov. You will need to specify that the payment is for estimated taxes and provide the tax year. The convenience fee still applies.
What if the payment fails or I get an error?
Contact the processor directly using the number on their payment page. Do not attempt the payment again without confirming whether the first one went through — duplicate charges do happen. The processor can tell you whether the payment was received and provide a confirmation number if it was.
Can I pay someone else's tax bill with my credit card?
No. The payment must be made by or on behalf of the taxpayer whose name and SSN or EIN appears on the bill. You cannot pay a family member's or business partner's taxes using your own card unless you are an authorized representative with power of attorney.
Does paying by credit card change when the IRS considers my bill paid?
The payment date is the date the processor receives the transaction, not the date it appears in your IRS account. The processor's confirmation shows the exact date and time. This is important if you are paying to meet a important date.
Will the IRS send me a receipt?
No. Your receipt is the confirmation number from the processor and the charge on your credit card statement. Keep both. The IRS does not mail receipts for credit card payments.