You can pay the IRS directly with a credit card, but only through one of three payment processors the IRS has authorized
The IRS does not accept credit cards directly. Instead, you must use one of three third-party payment processors: Paypal, Worldpay, or 2Checkout. Each processor charges a convenience fee — typically between 1.87% and 2.35% of your payment — that you pay on top of your tax bill. You can find the current fee for each processor on the IRS website at irs.gov/payments.
Paying by credit card makes sense if you have a rewards card that earns cash back or points worth more than the convenience fee, or if you need to spread the payment across multiple billing cycles. It does not make sense if you are paying with a card that carries a balance, because the interest you will pay will almost certainly exceed the convenience fee.
Key Takeaways
- The IRS works with Paypal, Worldpay, and 2Checkout to accept credit card payments, and each charges a separate convenience fee you must pay in addition to your tax bill.
- You can pay federal income tax, estimated tax, or back taxes owed to the IRS using any of these three processors.
- The convenience fee ranges from roughly 1.87% to 2.35% depending on the processor and payment method you choose.
- If you cannot pay in full, you can set up a payment plan with the IRS instead, which does not require a credit card and has no convenience fee.
How to find the authorized payment processors and their current fees
Go to irs.gov and search for "pay by credit card" or navigate directly to the payments section. The IRS lists all three processors with links to each one. Before you click through, note the convenience fee each processor is charging that day — fees can shift slightly, and you want to know the exact amount before you commit.
Each processor's website will ask you to enter your tax identification number (your Social Security number or EIN), the tax year the payment covers, and the amount you want to pay. The processor will then calculate and display the convenience fee. You will see the total — tax bill plus fee — before you enter your credit card details.
What information you need before you start
Have your tax return or tax notice in front of you. You will need to know the tax year the payment covers (for example, 2023 or 2024), your tax identification number, and the exact amount owed. If you received a notice from the IRS, the amount due is printed on it. If you are paying estimated tax, you will know the amount you calculated.
You will also need your credit card details and a valid email address. The processor will send you a confirmation email with a receipt number. Keep that email — it is your proof of payment. The IRS can take several business days to post the payment to your account, so do not be alarmed if your balance does not update when ready.
Comparing the three processors side by side
| Processor | Typical Fee Range | Payment Methods Accepted | When Payment Posts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paypal | 1.87% to 2.35% | Credit card, debit card, Paypal balance | 1 to 3 business days |
| Worldpay | 1.87% to 2.35% | Credit card, debit card | 1 to 3 business days |
| 2Checkout | 1.87% to 2.35% | Credit card, debit card | 1 to 3 business days |
All three processors charge similar fees and offer similar posting timelines. The main difference is user interface — some people find one processor's website easier to navigate than another's. If you have used one before and felt comfortable with it, use it again. If you are new to all three, start with Paypal if you have a Paypal account, since you can pay directly from your balance without entering a credit card.
The fee you pay is not deductible as a tax expense, so factor the full amount into your decision. If you are itemizing deductions, the tax bill itself may be deductible, but the convenience fee is a cost of paying, not part of the tax itself.
When paying by credit card makes financial sense
A credit card payment only saves you money if the rewards or benefits you earn exceed the convenience fee. For example, if you are paying $5,000 and the fee is 2%, you are paying $100 extra. If your credit card earns 2% cash back, you break even. If it earns 3% or more, you come out ahead.
This math only works if you pay off the credit card balance when ready. If you carry a balance and pay interest, the interest will almost always exceed any rewards you earn. A typical credit card charges 18% to 24% annual interest. Even a 2% convenience fee is cheaper than that.
Paying by credit card also makes sense if you need to spread the payment across two billing cycles — for example, if your tax bill is due April 15 but you do not have the full amount until late April. You can charge part of it before the due date and the rest after, as long as you pay the first charge before the IRS files a lien.
What happens if you cannot pay the full amount right now
You do not have to use a credit card. The IRS offers a short-term extension (up to 120 days with no fee) and a long-term payment plan (monthly payments over several years, with a setup fee of $31 to $225 depending on how you set it up). Neither option charges a convenience fee, and both give you time to gather the money without going into credit card debt.
To request an extension or payment plan, go to irs.gov/payments and look for "payment plans" or "short-term extension". You can set up a plan online in minutes. The IRS will tell you the monthly payment amount and the total interest and penalties you will owe. Review those numbers before you commit. A payment plan may cost less overall than paying by credit card if you would otherwise carry a balance.
How to keep your payment find and track it afterward
Use the processor's official website, not a link from an email or text message. Scammers sometimes send fake IRS payment emails with links to phishing sites. If you are unsure, go directly to irs.gov, find the payments section yourself, and click the processor link from there.
After you complete the payment, you will receive a confirmation email with a receipt number and the amount charged. Save that email. The IRS typically posts the payment within 1 to 3 business days, but it can take longer during tax season. You can check the status of your payment on the IRS website by entering your tax identification number and the amount you paid. If the payment does not appear within a week, contact the processor's customer service using the number on your receipt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay estimated tax with a credit card?
Yes. Estimated tax payments go through the same three processors as regular tax payments. You will need to know the tax year and the amount due. The convenience fee applies the same way.
What if I want to pay back taxes from a previous year?
You can pay back taxes using any of the three processors. You will need to specify the tax year on the payment form. If you owe penalties and interest in addition to the original tax, include the full amount the IRS says you owe.
Do I get a receipt for my credit card payment?
Yes. The processor sends a confirmation email when ready after payment, and the IRS sends a separate receipt once the payment posts to your account. Both are proof of payment. Keep both emails for your records.
Can I use a debit card instead of a credit card?
Yes. All three processors accept debit cards and charge the same convenience fee. The payment posts the same way — within 1 to 3 business days.
What if the processor's website is down or I cannot complete the payment?
If you cannot pay by credit card before the important date, you can pay by other methods: check, electronic bank transfer, or a payment plan. Go to irs.gov/payments to see all options. If the important date is today, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to discuss your options.