IRS Direct Pay

 How to Make an IRS Direct Pay (Individual Tax Payment)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Go to the IRS Direct Pay Page

2. Click “Make a Payment”

3. Select Payment Details

  • Reason for Payment: Choose one (e.g., "Balance Due", "Estimated Tax", "Amended Return", etc.)
  • Apply Payment To: Choose tax form (e.g., "1040" for balances, "1040-ES" for estimates)
  • Tax Period for Payment: Select the tax year (e.g., 2025 if you're paying 2025 estimated taxes)

4. Verify Your Identity

You’ll need to provide personal info from one of your past tax returns:

  • Filing Status (e.g., Single, Married Filing Jointly)
  • Name, SSN, DOB
  • Address (from that year’s tax return)

You must verify using information from a specific prior-year tax return (e.g., 2023 Form 1040). If info doesn't match IRS records, the payment may fail.

5. Enter Payment Info

  • Payment Amount
  • Payment Date (can be same-day or scheduled up to 30 days in advance)
  • Bank Info: Routing and account number for your checking/savings account

There’s no fee for using Direct Pay. There are options to pay via credit or debit card, PayPal, Venmo or cash. However, the IRS charges fees for these types of payments.

6. Review & Submit

  • Double-check everything.
  • Click Submit to make the payment.

7. Get Confirmation

  • You’ll get a confirmation number — save or print this for your records.
  • Optional: Enter your email address for a payment confirmation.

Tips:

  • Use a personal bank account, not a business account. The name on the tax return must match the name on the bank account.
  • Payment can take 1–2 business days to reflect in your IRS account.
  • Want to check a payment later? Use: IRS Look Up a Payment