How to pay US taxes online: Complete guide (2026)
US citizens and residents can pay US taxes online in 2026 through IRS Direct Pay, debit or credit card payments, an IRS Online Account, or EFTPS for existing users.
Direct Pay is free and lets you schedule a payment up to 365 days in advance; if the withdrawal succeeds, you get credit for the day you selected, though processing can take up to two business days. Card fees vary by processor and card type: $2.15 for Pay1040 debit, $2.10 for ACI debit, 1.75% for Pay1040 consumer credit, and 1.85% for ACI credit, each with a $2.50 minimum where applicable.
Expats without a US bank account can pay by card or by international wire using the IRS foreign electronic payments process, routing number 091036164, and the correct tax type code. All payments must be remitted in US dollars.
For filing-side context, see our US expat tax guide 2026: who must file and what forms to use.
IRS online payment options
The IRS offers at least 5 electronic payment options in 2026, including Direct Pay, card payments, IRS Online Account, EFTPS for existing users, and same-day wire or foreign electronic payments where applicable. Individuals who were not already enrolled in EFTPS by Oct. 17, 2025, should use Direct Pay or an IRS Online Account instead.
| Method | Fee | Same day? | Best for | Enrollment? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRS Direct Pay | Free | Credit for selected date; processing up to two business days | Paying from a US bank account | No – guest path |
| Debit card | $2.15 (Pay1040) / $2.10 (ACI), flat | Yes – charged immediately | Smaller balances | No |
| Credit card | 1.75% (Pay1040) or 1.85% (ACI), $2.50 min | Yes – posts in 1–2 business days | Card rewards, no US bank | No |
| IRS Online Account | Free ACH | Yes – same-day or scheduled | Tracking and self-service | Yes – ID.me |
| International wire | Your bank may charge a wiring fee | 1–2 business days | Expats without a US bank account | No IRS enrollment |
| Short-term plan | $0 setup | No – ≤180 days | Balance under $100,000 | Online application |
| Installment agreement | $22 online (direct debit), $69 (no DD) | No – monthly | Balance ≤$50,000 for online setup | Online or Form 9465 |
NOTE! Paying isn't the same as filing. You can e-file the return and choose a separate payment method.
How to pay US taxes online if you live abroad: quick chooser
Use this to pick a method when you need to pay US taxes from abroad.
- Have a US bank account? → Use IRS Direct Pay (free) or pay through your IRS Online Account.
- Want the simplest "no login" option? → Choose Direct Pay; no sign-in, schedule up to 365 days ahead.
- No US bank, but a debit or credit card? → Pay online via Pay1040 or ACI Payments (fees apply).
- Paying from a foreign bank by international wire? → Use the IRS foreign electronic payments process, the Same-Day Taxpayer Payment Worksheet, and the right tax type code. Same-day wire payments must be received by the IRS by 5 PM Eastern, and your bank may have an earlier cutoff.
- Paying Q2 2026 estimated taxes? → The deadline is June 15, 2026 (Monday). Use Direct Pay or the IRS Online Account, select Form 1040-ES, tax year 2026.
TFX client scenario: A US contractor living in Toronto who needed to pay US taxes from Canada without a US bank account used Pay1040 with a CAD-billed Visa. The processor charged in USD (1.75% = $217 on a $12,400 balance), and the IRS posted the payment the next business day.
How to pay taxes in the USA online via IRS Direct Pay
A long day ends, and a US worker living in London finally sits down to finish her taxes. She sees she owes money, feels her stomach drop, and wants it done fast – no calls, no forms, no stress. With Direct Pay, she taps a few buttons and clears her balance before her tea even cools.
Here, you would find how to pay taxes online from a US bank account using Direct Pay. Once this flow clicks, it becomes much easier to pay US taxes online without dealing with paper checks or card fees.
What is IRS Direct Pay?
IRS Direct Pay is a free online tool that lets you send money from your checking or savings account straight to the IRS. You do not need an account or login, and you get a clear confirmation right on the screen. You can also choose a payment date up to 365 days in the future.
The rules behind paying your taxes come from the tax law in section 6151, and the IRS collects those payments under section 6302 and the rules that go with it. In simple terms, Direct Pay is one official way to follow those rules without any extra steps.
Key features:
- No registration or login required – you use basic ID details only
- Free – zero processing fees added to your tax payment
- Instant payment confirmation on screen, with an option for email
- Change or cancel up to 2 business days before the payment date
- Works with checking or savings accounts in the US
- Direct Pay payment can't equal or exceed $10 million. The IRS also limits how many Direct Pay payments you can make in a 24-hour period (see Direct Pay help/limitations for the current cap).
- You can make up to 5 Direct Pay payments in 24 hours, and each payment must be under $9,999,999.99
Direct Pay supports many IRS forms, including Form 1040, Form 1040-ES, and others listed in the IRS payment menu.
Step-by-step: How to make payments with Direct Pay
IRS Direct Pay processes federal tax payments in the following 7 steps:
Step 1. Open directpay.irs.gov or use the "Bank account (Direct Pay)" link on IRS.gov, then select "Make a payment." Direct Pay is available Monday through Saturday from 12:00 AM to 11:45 PM ET and Sunday from 7:00 AM to 11:45 PM ET.
Step 2. Enter your SSN or ITIN, filing status, and address from a prior-year tax return that Direct Pay can match.
Step 3. Pick the payment reason and form: Form 1040 (balance due), Form 1040-ES (estimated tax), or an extension payment.
Step 4. Enter the amount and choose a payment date – today or any date up to 365 days ahead.
Step 5. Add your bank's 9-digit routing number and your account number, and select checking or savings. Double-check both.
Step 6. Review every detail on the summary screen: tax year, form, amount, payment date. You can change or cancel only up to 2 business days before the scheduled date.
Step 7. Submit and save the confirmation number.
Direct Pay is best for
IRS Direct Pay is the optimal payment method in the following 5 scenarios:
- Individual taxpayers making a one-off payment.
- Anyone who wants to avoid processing fees.
- People who file only a few payments per year.
- US expats who still maintain a US bank account.
- Last-minute payments close to the deadline.
Not ideal for:
- Recurring business deposits (use EFTPS).
- Expats without a US bank account – use a card processor or international wire instead.
Paying IRS taxes with a debit or credit card
An IRS credit card or debit card payment works like any other card purchase – but you are paying the processor, not the government – the card service fee goes to the payment processor, not the IRS.
Many people also pay federal taxes credit card style because it is fast, simple, and cleared by approved processors.
Pay US taxes from abroad with a card
Paying by card is one IRS-supported option for expats who need to pay US taxes from abroad without a US bank account. The IRS lists two processors; fees vary by processor and card type.
| Processor | Credit card fee | Debit card fee | Cards accepted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay1040 | Consumer credit 1.75% ($2.50 minimum); commercial credit/debit 2.89% ($2.50 minimum) | $2.15 flat | Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and other cards listed by the IRS |
| ACI Payments | Credit 1.85% ($2.50 minimum); corporate credit/debit 2.95% ($2.50 minimum) | $2.10 flat | Visa, Mastercard, American Express, STAR, Pulse, and NYCE |
NOTE! Pay1040 charges 1.75% for consumer credit cards and 2.89% for commercial credit or debit cards. Confirm current rates at pay1040.com and acipayonline.com before paying.
TFX client scenario: A US freelancer in Germany without a US bank account paid a $12,400 federal balance (2025 tax year) via Pay1040 (consumer Visa, 1.75% = $217 fee). The payment posted to the IRS within 1–2 business days.
How to pay IRS taxes online with a credit card
Paying taxes can feel heavy, but the card process is simple and moves step by step, so nothing feels confusing. This makes paying the IRS with a credit card feel smooth and calm, even for first-timers.
- Pick a processor (Pay1040 or ACI Payments) by clicking through IRS.gov/payments.
- Choose your form (1040, 1040-ES, etc.), enter the amount, and pick your tax year.
- Enter your SSN or EIN, plus your name and address exactly as shown on your return.
- Add your card number, expiry date, and code, then check the fee shown on screen.
- Send the payment, save the confirmation, and watch for your email receipt. Posting takes 1–2 days.
This is the same for phone, laptop, or IRS2Go when you pay the IRS online with a credit card.
When to use card payments
Card payment is the better option over IRS Direct Pay in the following 4 situations:
- You earn enough card rewards to offset the 1.75%–1.85% fee.
- You want a short float before the card statement is due.
- You live abroad and have no US bank account.
- You need instant confirmation on a small balance.
Cards are weaker for large balances because the fee scales with the amount – roughly $175–$185 on a $10,000 bill. Direct Pay costs nothing and is safer if a credit card already carries a balance, since IRS interest stacks on top of card interest.
IRS Online Account for payment management
Whether you're far from home or not and need to send money to the IRS fast, an IRS online account makes it easy to manage IRS payments online from anywhere.
What is an IRS Online Account?
An IRS online account is a secure web page that the IRS gives you so you can see your tax balance, check past payments, make simple bank payments, set up or change payment plans, and pull your own tax transcripts and other records in one place.
For IRS payments online, this account works like a control panel that lets you start most bank-based payments and payment plans directly on the IRS site instead of mailing checks.
In plain words, the account lets you:
- View your current balance by tax year and see several years of payment history
- Make same-day or scheduled bank payments from inside the portal
- Set up, view, and change payment plans (installment agreements)
- View, print, or download tax transcripts and other key tax records
- Check the status of your refund or amended return
- View and approve authorization requests from tax professionals or lenders
- Update email and notice preferences, and request an Identity Protection PIN
Because this page shows IRS online account payments, balances, and transcripts, the IRS must follow strict privacy rules under IRC section 6103, which tells the agency not to share your tax data unless the law allows it.
How to set up an IRS online account
IRS online account setup is basically a short sign-up form plus an ID check that the system runs in the background.
Step 1: Visit irs.gov/payments/online-account-for-individuals and click "Sign in to your online account," then choose the option to create a new account.
Step 2: Complete identity verification through ID.me using a photo of your government ID and either a selfie or a video chat agent, depending on the verification path.
Step 3: After sign-in, go to the Payments tab and enter your bank account information the first time you pay so the system can process IRS web payments straight from your account.
Step 4: Open your Profile or Settings area to choose paperless notices, email alerts, and other payment-related notification preferences.
NOTE! The IRS uses strong ID checks here because the law says your tax information must stay private unless a rule allows disclosure, so the system asks for several pieces of personal data before it shows your account.
Typical identity verification requirements for these tools include:
- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number
- Filing status and address from your most recent tax return
- Email address and mobile phone number to receive security codes
- Selfie or video chat agent verification through ID.me, depending on the verification path
Verification time depends on the method selected and whether additional review is needed.
Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) – critical update
EFTPS is a US Treasury service for scheduled tax payments via ACH from a US bank account. As of Oct. 17, 2025, EFTPS no longer accepts new individual enrollments. See the full update below.
EFTPS status update
Important update (2026)
Effective October 17, 2025, EFTPS stopped accepting new individual enrollments. Individuals who were not already enrolled in EFTPS by Oct. 17, 2025, should use Direct Pay or an IRS Online Account instead.
The IRS confirmed in Questions and Answers on EO 14247 (Fact Sheet FS-2026-02) that existing individual users can still use EFTPS for now. Tax practitioners can use EFTPS Batch Provider or other IRS-approved electronic payment methods.
Who can still use EFTPS:
- Business taxpayers, including sole proprietors, partnerships, and corporations. Many must use EFT for payroll and excise deposits under 26 CFR 31.6302.
- Federal agencies, per the EFTPS guide for government payments.
- Existing individual EFTPS users enrolled before October 17, 2025.
EFTPS alternatives for new individual users
The best EFTPS alternative is IRS Direct Pay. It is free, works 24/7, and does not need setup. You send payments straight from a checking or savings account.
An IRS Online Account adds more tools, like seeing your balance, checking payment history, and using built-in Direct Pay features. It removes most of the confusion for individuals who are not enrolled in EFTPS, because both work as simple bank transfers.
If you want steady monthly payments, you can set up an installment agreement with auto-debit. For businesses that send payroll and excise deposits often, EFTPS is still the best choice because it is built for frequent transfers.
IRS payment plans for taxpayers who can't pay in full
The IRS offers 2 types of payment plans for taxpayers who cannot pay in full by the due date: a short-term plan (up to 180 days, no setup fee, available if the balance owed is under $100,000) and a long-term installment agreement (monthly payments, $22 setup fee online with direct debit, available if the balance owed is $50,000 or less for online setup).
If you're already behind, read what to do if you can't pay your taxes: a complete guide.
Types of IRS payment plans
The IRS offers 2 payment plan types; the short-term plan (≤180 days) has no setup fee, while the long-term installment agreement costs $22 online with direct debit.
| Feature | Short-term plan (180 days) | Long-term installment agreement |
|---|---|---|
| Balance cap | Under $100,000 (tax + penalties + interest) | $50,000 or less for online setup |
| Time allowed | Up to 180 days | Monthly payments: most taxpayers can pay over the collection period, generally up to 10 years. |
| Setup fee | $0 | $22 online (DD), $69 online (no DD), $107 phone/mail (DD), $178 phone/mail (no DD) |
| Failure-to-pay penalty | 0.5% per month + interest | 0.25% per month + interest, once active |
| Application speed | Instant online approval | Generally available online for balances ≤$50,000 with all returns filed |
| Payment schedule | Monthly | Monthly payments |
| Low-income relief | Not applicable – short-term plans have no setup fee | Same: AGI ≤ 250% of federal poverty level |
How to set up an IRS payment plan online
The IRS payment plan online application works best when all required returns are filed and you meet the balance limits for the plan you want.
Step 1 – Check your balance.
Look at your IRS online account, your notice, or your tax software to see how much you owe. Make sure all required returns, including this year's, are filed, and that you don't have another plan running.
Step 2 – Go to IRS.gov/paymentplan.
Click "Apply for a Payment Plan" and start the online tool.
Step 3 – Choose your plan type.
Pick short-term if you can pay in 180 days. Pick long-term if you need monthly payments. Long-term payment plans are generally available online if you owe $50,000 or less and have filed all required returns. If your balance is over $50,000, the online simple payment plan is generally not available, and you may need a different IRS application path.
Step 4 – Enter payment details.
Choose your monthly amount (must meet the IRS minimum), enter your bank details for auto-debit, and pick a payment date between the 1st and 28th.
Step 5 – Review your terms.
You'll see the fee, the payment date, and how interest and penalties continue until the balance is paid.
Step 6 – Submit and save proof.
Submit the form and get an on-screen decision. Save your confirmation number and the email with your agreement terms.
A payment plan works best for
A plan works well when you use IRS payment plan guidance points that match your situation. It fits people who owe more than they can pay right now and need more than six months to clear the balance.
It also helps anyone who wants to avoid liens or levies, has already filed their return but can't pay the IRS in full, and prefers one steady monthly draft instead of worrying about missing deadlines.
IRS payment deadlines and penalties (2026)
When a tax bill is not paid on time, the IRS adds extra charges. These charges grow every month until the tax is paid. An extension with Form 4868 lets you file later, but it never moves the April 15 payment date. Interest begins on that day and keeps going until the balance is fully paid.
2026 tax payment deadlines
The federal payment calendar for filings made in 2026:
- Form 1040 (2025 tax year): filing and payment due April 15, 2026. Extension to file until October 15, 2026, but tax is due April 15.
-
Estimated tax (Form 1040-ES) for the 2026 tax year:
- Q1: April 15, 2026
- Q2: June 15, 2026 (Monday)
- Q3: September 15, 2026
- Q4: January 15, 2027
- US taxpayers abroad get an automatic 2-month extension to June 15, 2026; if more time is needed, they can request an additional extension to October 15, 2026 by filing Form 4868 by June 15, 2026. Tax is still due by the original due date.
- Weekend rule: if a due date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, it moves to the next business day.
For the full annual schedule, see our full 2026 US expat tax deadline calendar. For deeper detail on quarterly payments, see our guide to IRS estimated tax payment dates for US expats.
Current penalty and interest rates (2026)
Many taxpayers fall into the same simple pattern – they file fine but pay late, which leads to steady monthly charges that keep growing until the tax is paid.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Failure-to-pay penalty | 0.5% per month, max 25% (IRC §6651(a)(2)). Reduced to 0.25% under an approved installment agreement; can rise after a final notice of intent to levy. |
| Failure-to-file penalty | 5% per month, max 25% (IRC §6651(a)(1)). When both apply, the combined cap is 5% per month. |
| Underpayment interest | Federal short-term rate + 3 percentage points (IRC §6621(a)(2)), compounded daily. Q1 2026: 7%; Q2 2026: 6%. The IRS resets quarterly. |
Worked example: $10,000 owed, 3 months late. Failure-to-pay penalty ≈ $150 (3 × 0.5%). Interest at 6%–7% annualized adds roughly $150–$175. Total cost: about $300–$325, with the exact number shifting as interest compounds daily.
For more on late filing, read our guide to late filing and late payment penalties for US expats.
Special considerations for US expats paying taxes online
US expats face 3 payment obstacles that domestic taxpayers do not encounter: lack of a US bank account required for IRS Direct Pay, foreign bank wire requirements for IRS payments, and IRS.gov identity verification, which uses ID.me and typically requires a photo ID plus either a selfie or a video-chat verification option.
For tax-side context, see our guides to the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), which lets eligible expats exclude up to $130,000 for 2025 (rising to $132,900 for 2026), and on whether US expats owe state taxes after moving abroad.
Common payment challenges for expats
US expats encounter the following 4 obstacles that domestic taxpayers do not face:
- No US bank account for Direct Pay – Direct Pay only works with a US checking or savings account and a US routing number. A foreign bank with only a SWIFT code cannot be used.
- International wire cost and steps – A wire needs the Same-Day Taxpayer Payment Worksheet, a 5-digit tax type code, and must be sent in US dollars. Banks may charge fees on both sides.
- US deadlines still apply. April 15 is the main due date, and filing extensions do not postpone it. For same-day wire payments, the IRS requires the wire to meet the Fedwire 5 PM Eastern cutoff.
- Currency exchange issues – IRS must receive US dollars, so banks convert the money first. Exchange rates and fees can reduce the final amount received. Many people add a small cushion.
Payment solutions for expats
Here are simple ways to pay US taxes abroad or make a smooth expat tax payment.
If you have a US bank account: Use Direct Pay or your IRS Online Account. Both are free, give instant confirmation, and credit the payment as of the date you submit. A mailed check still works but is slow and hard to track from abroad.
If you don't have a US bank account: Card payments through Pay1040 or ACI Payments work when the card network is accepted and your bank approves the charge. If a card payment is declined, use another IRS payment method listed on IRS.gov.
For large amounts – international wire to the IRS: Use the Foreign Electronic Payments process. The bank fills the Same-Day Taxpayer Payment Worksheet with your taxpayer ID, tax year, and the correct 5-digit tax type code (for example, 10407 for a Form 1040 payment on the return or IRS notice). The wire must be sent in US dollars to routing 091036164. Same-day wire payments must be received by the IRS by 5 PM Eastern, and your bank may have an earlier cutoff. Keep all wire confirmations.
TFX client scenario: A US contractor in Singapore wired $48,000 to the IRS via foreign electronic payments. The bank used the Same-Day Taxpayer Payment Worksheet with the correct tax type code for Form 1040, the wire arrived at Fedwire by 4:30 PM Eastern on April 15, and the IRS credited the payment the same day.
For the related reporting side, see our guide to FBAR filing requirements and deadlines for US expats with foreign accounts.
How to pay Q2 estimated taxes online in 2026
US taxpayers with income not subject to withholding – self-employed expats, freelancers, investors – pay quarterly estimated taxes using Form 1040-ES. The Q2 2026 payment covers income earned April 1–May 31, 2026, and is due June 15, 2026 (Monday).
Late or insufficient estimated tax payments can trigger an underpayment penalty under IRC §6654 from the missed due date.
NOTE! Estimated tax payments are forward-looking. The Q2 2026 payment goes toward your 2026 tax liability (filed in 2027), not your 2025 return.
How to pay Form 1040-ES online
US taxpayers can submit a Q2 2026 estimated tax payment online in the following 5 steps:
- Go to directpay.irs.gov or sign in to your IRS Online Account.
- Select "Estimated Tax" as the reason and "Form 1040-ES" as the applicable form.
- Select tax year 2026 (estimated payments apply to the year you're currently earning income in).
- Enter the payment amount and set the date to June 15, 2026 (or earlier – Direct Pay accepts scheduling up to 365 days ahead).
- Enter your US bank routing and account numbers and submit.
Expats without a US bank account: Pay through Pay1040 or ACI Payments – select "Estimated Tax (Form 1040-ES)" and tax year 2026. Card payments are processed through the payment processor, and the charge is effective when authorized.
If you're self-employed, our guide to self-employment tax for US expats: SE tax rate and how to pay covers the SE side.
Why trust Taxes for Expats with your online IRS payments
In 2026, US taxpayers can pay online by bank transfer, card, IRS online account, or payment plan.
Our guides walk you through:
- Streamlined compliance procedures – help expats catch up on late filings and payments without heavy penalties.
- FBAR filing requirements – shows how foreign accounts can affect overall tax reporting and payment planning.
- Foreign Earned Income Exclusion – helps lower taxable income, which reduces final payment amounts.
- Foreign Tax Credit – helps prevent double taxation, so you do not overpay the IRS.
FAQ
Yes. You can pay by credit or debit card through Pay1040 and ACI Payments, both linked from IRS.gov. Debit card fees are flat ($2.15 at Pay1040, $2.10 at ACI); credit card fees are consumer credit 1.75% at Pay1040 and 1.85% at ACI, $2.50 minimum. Commercial credit/debit at Pay1040 carries a 2.89% fee; corporate credit/debit at ACI carries a 2.95% fee, each with a $2.50 minimum.
The cheapest way to pay US taxes online is IRS Direct Pay – free ACH from a US checking or savings account. Without a US bank account, a debit card is usually lowest-cost since the fee is a flat dollar amount rather than a percentage.
With a US bank account, use Direct Pay or your IRS Online Account – both free. Without a US bank account, pay through Pay1040 or ACI Payments, or by international wire using the IRS Foreign Electronic Payments process.
Yes, but penalties and interest start from the original due date (usually April 15). Failure-to-pay penalty: 0.5% per month, max 25%, plus interest at the federal short-term rate plus 3 points (6% in Q2 2026, 7% in Q1 2026). Under an approved installment agreement, the rate drops to 0.25% per month.
You can change or cancel a Direct Pay payment up to 2 business days before the scheduled date. After that, you generally need to contact the IRS or your bank to modify the electronic funds withdrawal.
Use Direct Pay and select "Estimated Tax" with Form 1040-ES for the relevant tax year. You can also pay through the IRS Online Account or by card via Pay1040 or ACI Payments. Tag each payment as estimated tax so it's applied to the correct quarter.
No. Direct Pay has a guest path with no account. An IRS Online Account requires one-time ID.me registration. Card processors don't require an IRS account. EFTPS requires enrollment and no longer accepts new individual enrollments after October 17, 2025.
Two options: (1) pay by debit or credit card through Pay1040 or ACI Payments (fees apply); (2) pay by international wire from a foreign bank using the IRS Foreign Electronic Payments process, the Same-Day Taxpayer Payment Worksheet, and the right tax type code.
Pick a lane: pay from a US bank account (Direct Pay, free), by card (Pay1040 or ACI, fees apply), or through your IRS Online Account. None of these is bundled with e-filing – you submit the return and the payment separately.
Yes. Short-term plan (up to 180 days, $0 setup, balance under $100,000) or long-term installment agreement (monthly payments, balance ≤$50,000 for online setup). Online setup fees: $22 with direct debit, $69 without. Phone or mail setup costs more ($107 or $178). Low-income taxpayers may qualify for reduced or waived fees on long-term installment agreements.
The Q2 2026 estimated tax payment is due June 15, 2026 (Monday). It applies to US taxpayers – including expats – with 2026 income earned April 1–May 31 that isn't subject to withholding. The payment goes toward your 2026 tax liability (filed in 2027), not your 2025 return. Pay via IRS Direct Pay (select Form 1040-ES), the IRS Online Account, or Pay1040/ACI Payments.
Individual taxpayers who were not already enrolled by Oct. 17, 2025, can't create new EFTPS accounts, but current users can still use EFTPS for now. Individuals who are not enrolled should use Direct Pay or an IRS Online Account instead. Tax practitioners can use EFTPS Batch Provider or other IRS-approved electronic payment methods.
