You can pay the IRS with a credit card through two authorized payment processors
The IRS does not accept credit cards directly. Instead, you must use one of two approved payment processors: Official Payments or PayUSAtax. Both charge a convenience fee on top of your tax bill — typically between 1.87% and 2.35% of the amount you pay, depending on which processor you use and which card type you choose.
You can pay your full tax bill, a partial payment, or set up a payment plan through either processor. The payment posts to your IRS account within one business day, though the credit card company may take longer to process the charge on your end. This method works for individual income tax, estimated tax payments, and certain business tax payments. It does not work for payroll taxes or excise taxes.
Key Takeaways
- Official Payments and PayUSAtax are the only two processors the IRS authorizes; paying through any other site claiming to accept IRS credit card payments is a scam.
- The convenience fee ranges from roughly 1.87% to 2.35% and is added to your bill, so a $5,000 payment costs between $5,094 and $5,118.
- You can pay from your computer, phone, or tablet, and the IRS receives notice of your payment within one business day.
- If you cannot pay the full amount now, you can make a partial payment or set up an installment agreement through the same processors.
How to pay through Official Payments
Go to officialpayments.com and select "IRS" from the list of agencies. You will need your Social Security number or employer identification number, your tax form type (1040, 1120, 941, etc.), and the tax year you are paying for.
Enter the amount you want to pay. The site will calculate and display the convenience fee before you proceed. You then enter your credit card details and confirm the payment. Official Payments accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
You will receive a confirmation number when ready. Save this number — it is your proof of payment. The IRS will see the payment within one business day, though your credit card statement may show the charge under "Official Payments" rather than "IRS."
How to pay through PayUSAtax
Go to payusatax.com and click "Individual" or "Business" depending on which type of return you filed. Enter your Social Security number or EIN and the tax year.
Select your payment amount and review the convenience fee. PayUSAtax accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Enter your card information and confirm.
You will receive a confirmation number and a receipt. The payment reaches the IRS within one business day. Your credit card will show the charge as "PayUSAtax" or a similar merchant name.
Comparing the two processors
| Feature | Official Payments | PayUSAtax |
|---|---|---|
| Website | officialpayments.com | payusatax.com |
| Cards accepted | Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover | Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover |
| Convenience fee range | 1.87% to 2.35% | 1.87% to 2.35% |
| Payment posts to IRS | Within 1 business day | Within 1 business day |
| Partial payments allowed | Yes | Yes |
| Installment plans available | Yes | Yes |
Both processors are equally legitimate and offer the same core features. The choice between them comes down to personal preference — some people find one website easier to navigate than the other. Neither is "better" in terms of speed, fees, or reliability.
You can use either processor for the same tax year or switch between them for different payments. There is no penalty for using one over the other, and the IRS treats payments from both the same way.
Understanding the convenience fee
The convenience fee is not a tax or a penalty. It is a charge from the payment processor for handling your credit card transaction. The IRS does not receive this fee — it goes to Official Payments or PayUSAtax.
The fee varies slightly depending on which card type you use. Debit cards sometimes have a lower fee than credit cards. The processor will show you the exact fee before you confirm payment, so you know the total cost before your card is charged. This fee is separate from any interest or penalties the IRS may charge on an unpaid balance. If you owe back taxes plus interest, the convenience fee is added on top of that total.
What happens after you pay
The IRS updates your account within one business day. You can check the status of your payment by logging into your IRS account at irs.gov or by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
Your credit card company processes the charge on their own timeline, which may take several business days to appear on your statement. The payment is considered made on the date you submit it to the processor, not the date it appears on your credit card bill. If you set up an installment agreement, the first payment is due when ready, and subsequent payments are due on the dates you select during setup. The processor will send you payment reminders before each due date.
Avoiding payment scams
Scammers create fake IRS payment websites that look similar to Official Payments and PayUSAtax. They steal credit card information and never send the payment to the IRS.
The only legitimate IRS credit card payment sites are officialpayments.com and payusatax.com. The IRS website (irs.gov) links to these two processors and no others. If you find a payment site through a search engine or email link, verify the exact URL before entering your card details. The IRS will never email you a payment link or ask you to pay by credit card over the phone. If someone claiming to be from the IRS contacts you with a payment request, hang up and call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 to verify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay estimated taxes with a credit card?
Yes. Estimated tax payments use the same two processors. When you log in, select "Estimated Tax Payment" as your payment type instead of a tax return type. The convenience fee applies the same way.
What if I want to pay only part of what I owe?
Both processors allow partial payments. Enter the amount you want to pay rather than your full balance. The IRS will credit the payment to your account and continue to charge interest on the remaining balance until it is paid in full.
Can I use a debit card instead of a credit card?
Yes. Both Official Payments and PayUSAtax accept debit cards. The convenience fee may be slightly lower for debit cards than for credit cards, though both processors charge a fee.
How long does it take for the payment to show up on my IRS account?
The IRS receives notice of your payment within one business day. You can check your account status on irs.gov or by calling 1-800-829-1040. Your credit card company may take longer to post the charge to your statement.
What if I need to set up a payment plan instead of paying now?
Both processors offer installment agreement options during checkout. You can choose how much to pay upfront and when subsequent payments are due. The convenience fee applies to each payment you make.