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Paying the IRS isn’t fun, but unfortunately it is something we all have to do, and especially around tax season. The good news is that the IRS has finally made it as easy to make Estimated Tax Payments quickly, free and online with IRS Direct Pay.
Whether you need to pay estimated tax payments throughout the year, or you just filed an extension but expect a balance to be owed and you wish to pay the estimated balance, or at least a portion of it, Direct Pay is a simple, free online tool that’s readily available for all individual taxpayers ready to pay their federal income tax obligations to the IRS.
Make a payment to the IRS for individual income taxes by following this 3 step guide.
STEP 1
Visit IRS Direct Pay, select the type of estimated tax payment you want to make.
To navigate to there from https://www.irs.gov/ >Select ‘Make a Payment’
On the next screen> Select ‘Pay Now With Direct Pay’
When on Direct Pay > Select ‘Make a Payment’
Note: This is important step so ensure that you select the correct form, the selection will direct the IRS where to apply the payment on your tax record.
If you are paying an estimated tax payment for the current tax year:
You will select ‘Estimated Tax’. ‘The Year’ you select will typically be the current tax year you are in, as you are intending to pay your estimated tax payments for the income you are earning currently. This payment will be reflected and accounted for when you prepare your taxes, next year, during tax season. The example below is for the first quarter of taxes in 2024.
If you have filed an extension to prepare your taxes, that is fine, the return will typically now be due October 15th, six months after the original return was due. However, the taxes you owe are still due by tax day (typically April 15th), and need to be paid in order to avoid any late payment penalties and/or interest.
If you are paying an estimated tax payment at time of extension:
You will select ‘Extension’ as the reason for payment and the year would reflect the year the extension was filed for (last year).
Step 2
Verify Your Identity
Tax Year for Verification > Typically select the last year a return was filed
Filing Status > Select the filing status you filed with on the Tax Year that the verification was selected
Enter the following information:
• First Name
• Last Name
• Tax ID Number (SSN/ITIN)
• DOB
• Address
Step 3
Enter Your Payment Information
You will need to confirm the following:
• Payment Amount
• Payment Date
• Account Type: Checking or Savings
• Routing and Account Number(s)
Complete and select submit payment, That’s it. Your taxes are paid…until next time. What a sweet and sour feeling, huh!?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is IRS Direct Pay and who can use it?
IRS Direct Pay is a free online tool provided by the IRS that allows individual taxpayers to make federal income tax payments quickly and easily. It is available to all individual taxpayers who need to pay estimated taxes throughout the year or make payments related to a filed extension.
When selecting a payment type in Direct Pay, does it matter which reason for payment is chosen?
Yes, selecting the correct payment type is a critical step because it tells the IRS exactly where to apply the payment on your tax record. For regular estimated tax payments during the current year, you select "Estimated Tax," while payments made at the time of filing an extension require you to select "Extension" as the reason.
What tax year should be selected when making a quarterly estimated tax payment?
When making an estimated tax payment for income you are currently earning, you typically select the current tax year. That payment will then be reflected and accounted for when you prepare and file your tax return during the following year's tax season.
If a tax extension is filed, when are the actual taxes still due?
Filing an extension moves the return due date to October 15th, six months after the original April 15th deadline. However, any taxes owed must still be paid by the original tax day, typically April 15th, in order to avoid late payment penalties and interest charges.
What information is needed to complete a payment through IRS Direct Pay?
To verify your identity, you will need your first and last name, Tax ID Number (SSN or ITIN), date of birth, address, filing status, and the tax year of your last filed return. To complete the payment itself, you will also need your payment amount, desired payment date, and your bank account type along with the routing and account numbers.
About the Author
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Nick Charveron is a tax professional at IRS.com with expertise in U.S. federal and state tax law. Their articles are written to help taxpayers understand complex tax topics in plain English.