Yes, you can pay the IRS with a credit card, but the IRS itself does not accept credit cards directly
The IRS does not take credit card payments over the phone, by mail, or through its website. Instead, you must use a third-party payment processor that the IRS has authorized to accept credit cards on your behalf. These processors charge a convenience fee — typically 1.87% to 2.35% of the amount you pay — which is added to your bill. You pay both the fee and the tax amount to the processor, not to the IRS.
The three authorized processors are Official Payments Corporation, Worldpay, and Global Payments. Each one operates its own payment portal, and the fee varies slightly between them. You choose which processor to use when you make your payment.
This setup exists because credit card processing costs money, and the IRS passes that cost to you rather than absorbing it. If you pay by check, electronic bank transfer, or cash at a retail location, there is no fee.
Key Takeaways
- You must pay through an IRS-authorized third-party processor, not directly to the IRS, and you will pay a convenience fee of roughly 1.87% to 2.35% of the amount.
- The three authorized processors are Official Payments Corporation, Worldpay, and Global Payments, each with its own website and slightly different fee structures.
- Credit card payments are processed when ready, but the IRS may take several days to record the payment in your account.
- You can pay estimated taxes, back taxes, or taxes owed on a return using a credit card through any of the three processors.
- If you are disputing a tax bill or cannot pay in full, a credit card payment does not stop the IRS from pursuing collection action.
The three authorized payment processors and their fees
Official Payments Corporation charges a convenience fee of 1.87% for credit card payments. Worldpay charges 1.96%. Global Payments charges 2.35%. The difference is small but real: on a $5,000 payment, the fee ranges from $93.50 to $117.50 depending on which processor you use.
Each processor has its own website where you enter your tax information and card details. You do not need to register in advance or create an account, though some processors offer that option. When you submit your payment, the processor when ready charges your card and gives you a confirmation number. You should save this number in case you need to track the payment later.
The processor sends the payment to the IRS, but there is a lag. The IRS may take several business days to post the payment to your account. During that time, if you owe penalties or interest, those continue to accrue. The payment date for penalty purposes is the date the processor receives it, not the date you made the charge, so paying early matters.
When paying by credit card makes sense financially
A credit card payment only makes financial sense if you earn rewards or cash back that exceed the convenience fee. If your card gives you 2% cash back and the processor charges 1.87%, you net 0.13% — a small gain but a gain. If your card gives you 1% cash back and the processor charges 2.35%, you lose 1.35%.
The math also depends on whether you can pay off the card when ready. If you carry a balance and pay credit card interest, the convenience fee is almost certainly not worth it. Credit card interest rates run 15% to 25% annually, which far exceeds any rewards you might earn.
Some people use credit card payments as a way to float a tax bill for a few weeks — charging the IRS payment to a card with a 0% introductory period, then paying off the card later. This can work if the 0% period is long enough and you are certain you can pay before interest kicks in. But if you miss the important date, you will owe both the IRS and the credit card company, and the credit card interest will be much higher than IRS penalties.
How to find the payment processor websites
The IRS lists all three authorized processors on its website under "Pay Your Tax Bill." You can search for "IRS credit card payment" and the official IRS page will appear in the results. The page includes direct links to each processor's payment portal.
Do not search for "pay IRS with credit card" and click the first result — scammers create fake payment sites that look like the real ones. Always go through the official IRS website first, or type the processor name directly into your browser. The legitimate sites are:
- Official Payments Corporation at officialpayments.com
- Worldpay at payUSAtax.com
- Global Payments at pay1040.com
When you land on the processor's site, you will need your Social Security number or employer identification number, the tax year you are paying for, and your credit card information. Have your tax return or notice handy so you can enter the exact amount owed.
What happens after you submit your credit card payment
The processor charges your card when ready and sends you a confirmation number by email. This number is your proof of payment. Write it down or save the email.
The processor then transmits the payment to the IRS, usually within one business day. The IRS receives it and begins processing it, but posting it to your account can take several more days. During this window, you may see the payment as "pending" or not see it at all in your IRS account.
If you owe penalties or interest, those continue to accrue until the IRS officially posts the payment. This is why paying early matters — the sooner the processor receives your payment, the sooner the IRS stops the clock on interest.
If you need to confirm that the IRS received your payment, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and provide your confirmation number. The IRS can tell you the date they received it and when they expect to post it to your account.
Credit card payments and payment plans
If you cannot pay your full tax bill at once, you have other options that may be cheaper than a credit card payment. The IRS offers installment agreements that let you pay over time with a setup fee but no convenience fee. Short-term agreements (120 days or less) have no setup fee. Long-term agreements have a setup fee of $31 to $225 depending on how you set them up.
You can also request an offer in compromise, which settles your tax debt for less than you owe if you meet certain conditions. Neither of these routes involves a credit card.
If you do use a credit card to pay part of your bill and set up a payment plan for the rest, the credit card payment is applied first, and the plan covers the remainder. The IRS will not reduce your plan payment just because you paid part of the bill with a card.
Credit card payments do not stop collection action
Paying your tax bill by credit card — or by any method — does not stop the IRS from pursuing collection if you owe money. If the IRS has already filed a tax lien or is garnishing your wages, making a credit card payment will not reverse those actions.
A tax lien is a legal claim against your property. It stays on your credit report and can affect your ability to borrow money. Paying the bill removes the lien, but only after the IRS processes the payment and you request a release. This process takes time.
If you are in a dispute with the IRS over whether you owe the money, a credit card payment may be seen as acceptance of the debt. If you believe the bill is wrong, contact the IRS before paying, or pay under protest by writing "paid under protest" on your check. Credit card payments do not have a protest option, so use a check or bank transfer if you plan to dispute the bill later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a debit card instead of a credit card?
No. The three authorized processors accept credit cards only, not debit cards or prepaid cards. If you do not have a credit card, you can pay by electronic bank transfer through the IRS website, by check, or at certain retail locations like Walmart or 7-Eleven.
What if I pay with a credit card and then file for bankruptcy?
Tax debt cannot be discharged in bankruptcy in most cases, so paying with a credit card does not change your bankruptcy outcome. However, if you charge the payment and then cannot pay off the credit card, you will owe both the IRS and the credit card company. Consult a bankruptcy attorney before making any large tax payments if you are considering bankruptcy.
Can I pay estimated taxes with a credit card?
Yes. The same three processors handle estimated tax payments. You will need your Social Security number and the tax year, and you will pay the same convenience fee. Estimated payments are due on April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year.
How long does it take for the IRS to record my credit card payment?
The processor charges your card when ready, but the IRS may take 5 to 7 business days to post the payment to your account. If you are close to a important date or penalty date, pay several days early to may support the IRS records it in time.
What if the processor's website is down when I need to pay?
If one processor's site is unavailable, you can use either of the other two. All three are authorized and will deliver your payment to the IRS. If all three are down, you can pay by check, electronic bank transfer, or at a retail location instead.