You can pay the IRS with a credit card, but only through two approved payment processors, and you'll pay a convenience fee on top of your tax bill

The IRS does not accept credit cards directly. Instead, you must use one of two third-party payment processors that the IRS has authorized: Official Payments Corporation or Worldpay. Both charge a convenience fee — a percentage of the amount you're paying — on top of your tax bill. This fee is separate from your tax debt and is not deductible.

The convenience fee varies by processor and payment method. As of now, fees typically range from about 1.87% to 2.35% of your payment, though you should confirm the exact rate when you're ready to pay, since these percentages can change. If you're paying $5,000 in taxes, for example, a 2% fee would add $100 to your total cost.

You'll need your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number, your tax year, and the amount you owe. The payment posts to your IRS account within one business day in most cases.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS only accepts credit card payments through Official Payments Corporation or Worldpay, not directly from the IRS website.
  • Every credit card payment to the IRS includes a convenience fee of roughly 1.87% to 2.35% of the amount you pay, which you must pay out of pocket.
  • You can pay your full tax bill, a partial payment, or set up a payment plan using a credit card through either processor.
  • The payment typically posts within one business day, but the convenience fee is charged immediately and cannot be refunded even if you later dispute the tax amount.

When paying by credit card makes sense

Paying taxes with a credit card is rarely the cheapest option because of the convenience fee. However, it can make sense in a few situations. If you're short on cash but have available credit, and you can pay off the card quickly, the fee might be worth the breathing room. Some people also use it to earn credit card rewards — though you should do the math first. If your card earns 2% cash back but the IRS fee is 2.35%, you're actually losing money.

Paying by credit card also makes sense if you're setting up a payment plan and want to avoid a bank account withdrawal or check. Both processors let you make monthly payments on a plan using your card, which can be simpler than managing separate bank transactions.

How to pay through Official Payments Corporation

Go to officialpayments.com and select "IRS" from the list of agencies. You'll enter your Social Security Number or EIN, the tax year, and the amount you want to pay. The site will show you the exact convenience fee before you confirm.

Official Payments accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You can pay in full or set up a payment plan. If you're setting up a plan, you'll make the first payment immediately and then schedule future payments through the same site. The processor will email you a confirmation number — save this for your records.

How to pay through Worldpay

Go to pay1040.com (Worldpay's IRS payment portal). Enter your Social Security Number or EIN, tax year, and payment amount. Like Official Payments, the site shows your convenience fee upfront. Worldpay also accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

Worldpay's interface is similar to Official Payments — you can pay a lump sum or set up a monthly plan. You'll receive a confirmation number by email. Both processors are equally legitimate; the choice between them usually comes down to which site you find easier to navigate.

What happens after you pay

Your payment posts to your IRS account within one business day. You can check the status of your payment on the IRS website using the "Where's My Refund?" tool or by logging into your IRS account at irs.gov. The convenience fee is charged immediately and separately from your tax payment — it does not reduce the amount credited to your tax bill.

If you set up a payment plan, the processor will remind you before each payment is due. You can change or cancel future payments through the same processor's website, but you cannot get the convenience fee back once it's been charged. If you later dispute the tax amount itself, the convenience fee is still yours to pay.

The convenience fee is not tax-deductible

The IRS treats the convenience fee as a personal expense, not a tax-related deduction. You cannot deduct it on your tax return, even though it's directly tied to paying your taxes. This is one reason the fee adds real cost to using a credit card — you're paying it with after-tax dollars.

If you're self-employed or running a business, you also cannot deduct the fee as a business expense. The IRS considers it a payment method cost, not a business operating cost.

Alternatives to credit card payment

If the convenience fee feels too high, the IRS offers other payment methods with no fee. You can pay by electronic bank transfer (ACH) through the IRS Direct Pay system at no cost. You can also pay by check or money order, mail it to the IRS, and there's no fee — though you'll need to wait for it to post. For payment plans, the IRS charges a setup fee of $31 to $225 depending on the plan type, but there's no ongoing fee for each payment.

If you're trying to earn rewards, compare the rewards rate to the convenience fee. A 1% cash back card does not offset a 2.35% fee. A 3% rewards card might make the math work, but only if you can pay off the balance immediately — interest charges will quickly erase any rewards benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay estimated taxes with a credit card?

Yes. Estimated taxes are treated the same way as regular tax payments. Use either Official Payments or Worldpay, enter your estimated tax amount, and you'll pay the same convenience fee. The payment posts to your IRS account within one business day.

What if my payment doesn't post within one business day?

Contact the processor you used (Official Payments or Worldpay) with your confirmation number. They can check the status and resubmit if needed. Keep your confirmation number and the date you paid — the IRS will not penalize you for a late payment if you can show proof you paid through an authorized processor on time.

Can I use someone else's credit card to pay my IRS bill?

Yes, but the cardholder's name does not have to match the taxpayer's name. You'll enter your Social Security Number or EIN (the person whose taxes are being paid), and the cardholder can use their card. The convenience fee is charged to the card used, not to the tax account.

Do I get a receipt or confirmation?

Yes. Both Official Payments and Worldpay email you a confirmation number immediately after payment. Save this email. You can also check your payment status on the IRS website using your Social Security Number or EIN. The confirmation number is your proof of payment if you ever need to dispute a late-payment penalty.

What if I want to cancel a payment plan I set up with my credit card?

Log back into the processor's website (Official Payments or Worldpay) and cancel future payments. You can cancel anytime before the next payment date. However, you cannot get the convenience fee refunded for payments already made. If you cancel and owe the IRS money, you'll need to set up a new payment method or plan.