Yes, you can pay the IRS from your checking account through several methods

The IRS accepts payments drawn directly from your checking account using Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), their official payment portal, or through a third-party payment processor that the IRS has authorized. You do not need to mail a check or visit a payment center — you can initiate the transfer online, by phone, or through tax software, and the money moves from your account to the IRS on a date you choose.

The key requirement is that you have your bank routing number and account number available, and your bank must support ACH transfers (nearly all do). The IRS does not charge a fee for payments made through EFTPS, but some third-party processors charge a small convenience fee if you use their platform instead.

Key Takeaways

  • EFTPS is the IRS's free payment system and lets you schedule a payment from your checking account up to 120 days in advance.
  • You can also pay through IRS.gov, tax software, or an authorized payment processor, though some processors charge a fee.
  • Payments typically post to your IRS account within one business day, but you should submit at least three business days before any deadline.
  • You will need your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number, bank routing number, and checking account number to complete the payment.
  • If you are paying a tax bill, estimated taxes, or back taxes, the same methods work for all three.

EFTPS: the IRS's direct payment system with no fees

EFTPS is the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System run by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. It is the official channel for paying federal taxes directly from a bank account, and it charges no fee. You can enroll online at eftps.gov, and enrollment takes about 10 minutes. The IRS will mail you a Personal Identification Number (PIN) within two weeks, which you use to log in and make payments.

Once enrolled, you can schedule a payment up to 120 days in advance or make a same-day payment if you submit before 8 p.m. Eastern Time. You choose the payment date, and the money is withdrawn from your checking account on that date and posted to your IRS account within one business day. EFTPS works for individual income tax, estimated quarterly taxes, and business payroll taxes.

If you do not want to wait for the PIN by mail, you can use EFTPS's online enrollment with immediate access by answering security questions about your tax history. This route lets you make a payment the same day you enroll.

Paying through IRS.gov without enrolling in EFTPS

You can also pay directly through the IRS website at IRS.gov without setting up a separate EFTPS account. Go to the "Payments" section, select "Pay Now," and choose the payment method. The IRS will direct you to one of several authorized payment processors — currently including Authorize.Net, PayUSA, and others — where you enter your bank details and submit the payment.

These payments are free when made through the IRS's official payment portal. The money is processed the same way as EFTPS payments and posts within one business day. This route is simpler if you are making a one-time payment and do not want to enroll in EFTPS, but if you pay regularly, EFTPS enrollment saves you time because you do not have to re-enter your bank information each time.

Third-party payment processors and when they charge fees

Tax software companies like TurboTax, H&R Block, and TaxAct often offer payment options at checkout when you file your return. These processors are authorized by the IRS, but many charge a convenience fee — typically $1.99 to $3.99 for a checking account payment. The fee is separate from the tax you owe and is charged by the software company, not the IRS.

If you use a third-party processor, confirm the fee before you submit. The payment still goes to the IRS the same way, and it posts within one business day. The fee is worth it only if you are already using the software to file and want to pay in one step; otherwise, EFTPS or IRS.gov are free alternatives.

Some tax professionals and CPAs also offer payment processing for their clients, and they may charge a fee as well. Always ask whether a fee applies before you authorize the payment.

What information you need to have ready

Before you start a payment, gather these details: your Social Security Number (or Employer Identification Number if you are paying business taxes), your bank routing number, your checking account number, and the amount you want to pay. Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank, and your account number is on the bottom left of your checks or in your online banking portal.

You will also need to know which tax you are paying for — for example, 2024 individual income tax, 2024 estimated quarterly tax, or a prior-year balance. The IRS system will ask you to specify, and entering the wrong year can delay posting to your account.

If you are paying a business payroll tax (like Form 941 withholding), you will need your Employer Identification Number instead of a Social Security Number, and you may need your business's tax account number, which appears on IRS notices.

Timing: when to submit so the payment arrives on time

The IRS considers a payment on time if it is posted to your account by the deadline, not if you submit it. Payments submitted through EFTPS or IRS.gov typically post within one business day, but the IRS recommends submitting at least three business days before any deadline to account for weekends and holidays.

If you are paying by the April 15 tax deadline, for example, submit by April 12 at the latest. If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the IRS extends it to the next business day, but do not rely on that — submit early. You can schedule a payment up to 120 days in advance through EFTPS, so you can set up a payment weeks ahead if you know you will owe.

Same-day payments are possible through EFTPS if you submit before 8 p.m. Eastern Time, but this should be a last resort. If something goes wrong with a same-day payment, you have no time to fix it.

What happens after you submit a payment

Once you submit a payment, you will receive a confirmation number immediately. Write this down or take a screenshot — you will need it if you have questions about the payment later. The money is withdrawn from your checking account on the date you specified, and the IRS posts it to your tax account within one business day.

You can check the status of your payment through EFTPS or by logging into your IRS account at IRS.gov. The IRS also sends a confirmation by mail if you enrolled in EFTPS. If you do not see the payment posted within two business days, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or the payment processor you used.

If you overpay or pay by mistake, the IRS will hold the money as a credit toward future taxes or issue a refund. You can request a refund through your IRS account or by calling the IRS, though refunds typically take four to six weeks to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the IRS from a savings account instead of checking?

EFTPS and IRS.gov payment systems are designed for checking accounts, and most payment processors will not accept a savings account number. If you only have a savings account, transfer money to a checking account first, or contact your bank about whether they can process the payment as an ACH transfer from savings.

What if my bank does not support ACH transfers?

Nearly all banks support ACH transfers, but if yours does not, call your bank to confirm. If ACH is not available, you can mail a check to the IRS, pay by credit or debit card through an authorized processor (which charges a fee), or visit a local IRS office in person.

Do I need to enroll in EFTPS before I can pay?

No. You can pay through IRS.gov without enrolling in EFTPS. Enrollment is only necessary if you want to use EFTPS directly or if you pay regularly and want to avoid re-entering your bank information each time.

Can I cancel or change a payment after I submit it?

If the payment has not yet posted to your account, you may be able to cancel it through EFTPS or by contacting the payment processor. Once the money is posted, you cannot cancel it, but you can request a refund or credit it toward future taxes.

Will paying from my checking account affect my credit score?

No. Paying the IRS from your checking account is a bank transfer and does not appear on your credit report. Only unpaid tax debt or a tax lien affects your credit.