Federal Individual Tax Payments

How to Make a Federal Individual Income Tax Payment
Follow these instructions when making personal tax return payments, including estimated payments.

Step 1: Visit the IRS Payment Page

Go to https://www.irs.gov/payments.

Step 2: Choose Your Payment Method

Click “Direct Pay with Bank Account” under Pay from Your Bank Account.

Step 3: Select Payment Type

Under Personal Tax Payments, choose “Pay Individual Tax”.
Click the blue “Make a Payment” button.

Step 4: Provide Payment Details

Select a Reason for Payment (these are the most common):
- Balance Due – For a payment due with your tax return.
- Estimated Payment – For a quarterly estimated payment for the current tax year.
From the Apply Payment To dropdown list select “Income Tax – Form 1040”.
Specify the Tax Period for Payment from the dropdown list:
- If paying a balance due, select the tax year printed on your tax return.
- If making an estimated payment, select the current tax year.

Step 5: Verify Your Identity

You’ll need to enter details from a previous tax return (not the one you're currently filing).
Did your address change? If your address was different in the tax year above, use the address from that return.
Enter information for the person listed as “Taxpayer” on your tax return. For a married couple filing jointly, it is important to enter the information for the “Taxpayer” rather than the person listed as “Spouse.”

Step 6: Enter Payment Information

Input the payment amount (you’ll enter it twice for accuracy).
Choose a payment date (can be scheduled, but must be on or before the due date).
Enter your bank account details.

Step 7: Confirm & Save Your Payment

Provide your email address for confirmation.
Important: The email confirmation will not contain full details. Before leaving the site, save and print a PDF of the confirmation page.

Step 8: Notify Your tax Preparer

Send a copy of the confirmation to your tax preparer via our secure upload link.