Yes, the IRS accepts credit card payments, but only through third-party payment processors
The IRS does not take credit card payments directly. Instead, you must use one of three approved payment processors: PayPal, Authorize.Net, or 2checkout. Each processor charges a convenience fee on top of your payment — typically between 1.87% and 2.35% of the amount you pay, depending on which processor you choose. This fee is added to your bill and is not deductible.
You can make a credit card payment through any of these processors by visiting the IRS payment page at irs.gov/payments. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you receive a confirmation number when ready. The payment itself posts to your IRS account within one business day.
Key Takeaways
- The IRS works with PayPal, Authorize.Net, and 2checkout to accept credit card payments, and each charges a separate convenience fee.
- Convenience fees range from roughly 1.87% to 2.35% of your payment amount and are added to what you owe, not deducted from it.
- You can pay federal income tax, estimated tax, or back taxes by credit card through the same processors.
- Payments post within one business day, and you get a confirmation number right away so you can prove you paid.
Which processor to use and how to compare their fees
All three processors are legitimate and approved by the IRS, so the main difference is the fee each charges. The fee varies slightly depending on whether you pay by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. Before you start, check the current fee for your card type on each processor's page — the IRS website lists all three side by side so you can see the exact percentage.
The fee difference is usually less than $10 on smaller payments, but on a $5,000 tax bill, choosing the lowest-fee processor could save you $30 or more. Write down the fee percentage for each processor before you decide. Once you pick one and enter your card information, you cannot switch processors mid-payment.
What you need before you pay
Have your Social Security number or employer identification number (EIN) ready, along with your credit card. You will also need to know the tax year the payment is for and the type of tax you are paying — for example, 2023 Form 1040 income tax, or 2024 estimated quarterly tax.
If you are paying a balance you already owe, have your most recent IRS notice in front of you. The notice shows your account number and the exact amount due. If you are paying estimated tax, you will need to know which quarter you are paying for (Q1, Q2, Q3, or Q4).
How the payment process works step by step
Go to irs.gov/payments and select "Pay Now." You will see the three processor options with their current fees listed. Click the processor you chose. You will be taken to that processor's find page, where you enter your tax information and card details. The processor confirms the amount, including the fee, before you submit.
After you submit, you receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down the confirmation number — you will need it if the IRS ever questions whether you paid. The payment posts to your IRS account within one business day. You can check the status of your payment by logging into your IRS online account at irs.gov/account or by calling the IRS at 800-829-1040.
When credit card payment makes sense and when it does not
A credit card payment makes sense if you have the cash to pay off the card when ready and you are in a situation where you need to pay quickly — for example, you are on a payment plan with the IRS and a important date is approaching. It also makes sense if you are earning significant rewards points on the card and the rewards value exceeds the convenience fee.
A credit card payment usually does not make sense if you cannot pay off the balance right away. Carrying a credit card balance at 18% to 25% interest costs far more than the IRS convenience fee, and you end up paying interest on top of the convenience fee. In that case, the IRS offers payment plans (called installment agreements) that let you pay over time without a credit card. You can set up a payment plan directly on irs.gov or by calling 800-829-1040.
Other ways to pay the IRS besides credit card
You can pay by bank account withdrawal (no fee), check or money order (mail it with your tax form), or electronic federal tax payment system (EFTPS, which is free and designed for regular estimated tax payments). Bank account withdrawal is the fastest and cheapest option if you have a checking or savings account. You can set it up on the same IRS payment page where you would choose a credit card processor.
If you owe a large amount and cannot pay in full, do not wait to contact the IRS. Set up a short-term payment plan (120 days or fewer, no setup fee) or a long-term installment agreement (setup fee ranges from $31 to $225 depending on how you set it up). You can set up a payment plan on irs.gov/payments or by calling 800-829-1040. The IRS will work with you on timing, and having a plan in place stops penalties from growing while you pay.
What happens after you submit a credit card payment
The processor sends your payment to the IRS, which posts it to your account within one business day. You will see the payment reflected in your IRS online account. If you are on a payment plan, the payment counts toward your plan balance. If you are paying a tax bill in full, the payment closes the account once it posts.
Keep your confirmation number and the email receipt for your records. If you ever need to prove you paid — for example, if there is a delay or a question about your account — you have documentation. The IRS can also look up the payment using your Social Security number or EIN and the date you paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay estimated taxes by credit card?
Yes. Use the same three processors on irs.gov/payments. You will need to specify which quarter you are paying for (Q1 through Q4) and the tax year. The convenience fee still applies.
What if I pay by credit card but then cannot pay off the card?
Contact your credit card company about a payment plan or hardship program. Separately, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 to set up an installment agreement for the tax debt itself. Paying the IRS by credit card does not change your options for paying the IRS — it is just the method of transfer.
Is the convenience fee tax deductible?
No. The IRS does not allow you to deduct the convenience fee as a tax expense. It is a cost of paying, not a tax-related expense.
Can I use a debit card instead of a credit card?
Yes. The three processors accept debit cards the same way they accept credit cards. The convenience fee still applies.
How long does it take for a credit card payment to show up on my IRS account?
Usually one business day. If more than two business days have passed and you do not see the payment, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 with your confirmation number.