Five ways to pay your taxes
This article was first published by the IRS and has been reproduced with permission. Subscribe to IRS tax tips here.
Paying taxes is not optional—it's the law. But you do have options when it comes to how you pay your taxes: Taxpayers can pay online, by phone or with their mobile device using the IRS2Go app, just to name a few.
Some taxpayers must make quarterly estimated tax payments throughout the year. This includes sole proprietors, partners, and S corporation shareholders who expect to owe $1,000 or more when they file. Individuals who participate in the gig economy might also have to make estimated payments.
Here are five options for taxpayers who need to pay their taxes:
- Pay when you e-file using your bank account, at no charge, using electronic funds withdrawal.
- Use IRS Direct Pay, which allows taxpayers to pay electronically directly from their checking or savings account for free. You can choose to receive email notifications about their payments when you pay this way. But watch out for email schemes; IRS Direct Pay sends emails only to users who request the service.
- Pay using a payment processor by credit card, debit card or digital wallet options. Taxpayers can make these payments online, by phone or through the IRS2Go app.
- Make a cash payment at more than 7,000 participating retail stores nationwide. To pay with cash, visit IRS.gov and follow the instructions.
- Pay over time by applying for an online payment agreement. Once the IRS accepts an agreement, you can make your payments in monthly installments.