Navigating the world of taxes can be daunting, and when it comes to paying the IRS, many people prefer the convenience and immediate confirmation that comes with electronic payments. While online options are popular, did you know you can also pay your IRS tax bill by phone? This guide will walk you through the process, step by step, ensuring you have all the information you need to make your payment successfully.
Ready to tackle your tax payment? Let's get started!
Step 1: Gather Your Essential Information
Before you even pick up the phone, it's crucial to have all your necessary details at your fingertips. This will make the process much smoother and prevent unnecessary delays. Imagine getting halfway through a call only to realize you don't have your Social Security Number readily available – frustrating, right?
Sub-heading: What You'll Need to Have Handy:
- Your Tax ID Number: This is typically your Social Security Number (SSN) for individuals or your Employer Identification Number (EIN) for businesses. If it's a joint return, have the primary SSN (the one listed first on the return).
- The Tax Year You Are Paying For: Be clear about which tax year your payment applies to.
- The Specific Tax Form or Notice Number (if applicable): If you're responding to a notice from the IRS (e.g., a CP2000, CP521, or CP523), have that notice in front of you. It will contain specific instructions and identifiers.
- Your Payment Amount: Know the exact amount you intend to pay.
- Your Bank Account Information (for Direct Pay):
- Bank Routing Number: This is typically a nine-digit number found at the bottom left of your checks.
- Bank Account Number: This is your checking or savings account number.
- Account Type: Specify whether it's a checking or savings account.
- Your Debit or Credit Card Information (if using a third-party processor):
- Card number, expiration date, security code (CVV), and billing address.
- Be aware: There will be a processing fee charged by the third-party processor for debit/credit card payments. The IRS does not receive any portion of this fee.
Step 2: Understand Your Phone Payment Options
The IRS offers a few different ways to pay by phone, primarily through authorized third-party payment processors or, for some, via the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS). It's important to differentiate between these.
Sub-heading: Option 1: Paying with a Debit or Credit Card (Third-Party Processors)
The IRS utilizes several authorized third-party payment processors for debit or credit card payments. This is the most common way individuals pay their taxes by phone using a card.
- How it Works: You call a dedicated phone number provided by one of these processors, who then facilitate the payment to the IRS on your behalf.
- Key Processors and Their Phone Numbers (as of June 2025 - always verify on IRS.gov for the latest information):
- ACI Payments, Inc. (formerly Official Payments):
- Payment: 800-272-9829
- Live Operator: 877-754-4420
- Pay1040:
- Payment: 888-729-1040
- Service: 888-658-5465
- ACI Payments, Inc. (formerly Official Payments):
- Fees: As mentioned, these processors charge a convenience fee for their service. This fee varies depending on the processor, the type of card you use, and the amount of your payment. You will be informed of the fee before you finalize your payment.
Sub-heading: Option 2: Paying via the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)
EFTPS is a free service offered by the U.S. Department of Treasury that allows both individuals and businesses to pay federal taxes electronically. While it has an online portal, you can also make payments by phone through EFTPS once enrolled.
- Enrollment is Required: Unlike using a third-party credit/debit card processor, you must enroll in EFTPS before you can use it. This process can take a few business days as you'll receive a Personal Identification Number (PIN) by mail.
- EFTPS Phone Number: Once enrolled, you can call 800-555-4477 (English) or 800-244-4829 (Spanish) to make your payment.
- Benefits: EFTPS is free, secure, and allows you to schedule payments up to 365 days in advance. You can also opt-in for email notifications of your payments.
- Who it's Best For: This option is particularly beneficial for businesses or individuals who make regular estimated tax payments.
Step 3: Make the Call
Once you've decided which phone payment option you'll use, it's time to dial.
Sub-heading: Calling a Third-Party Processor (Debit/Credit Card)
- Dial the appropriate phone number for your chosen processor (e.g., 800-272-9829 for ACI Payments, Inc.).
- Follow the automated prompts. The system will guide you through the process.
- Select the type of tax you are paying (e.g., individual income tax, estimated tax).
- Enter your Social Security Number (or EIN) and confirm it.
- Enter the tax year for which the payment is being made.
- Input the exact payment amount. Double-check this figure!
- Provide your debit or credit card information as requested.
- Listen carefully for the convenience fee. You will be prompted to accept this fee before your payment is processed.
- Confirm your payment details. This is your last chance to ensure everything is correct.
- Receive your confirmation number. Write this down immediately! This number is your proof of payment and is vital for tracking or if any issues arise. You may also have an option to receive an email confirmation.
Sub-heading: Calling EFTPS (Electronic Funds Withdrawal)
- Dial the EFTPS phone number: 800-555-4477 (English) or 800-244-4829 (Spanish).
- Enter your EFTPS PIN and password when prompted.
- Follow the voice prompts to initiate your payment. You will need to select the type of tax, the tax period, and the payment amount.
- Specify the bank account from which the funds will be withdrawn.
- Confirm the payment date. You can schedule payments for a future date.
- Receive your EFTPS confirmation number. This is extremely important. Note it down and save it. You can also choose to receive email notifications.
Step 4: Record Your Confirmation
This step cannot be stressed enough. Always, always, always keep a record of your payment confirmation.
Sub-heading: Why Confirmation is Key:
- Proof of Payment: In the rare event of a discrepancy or if the IRS doesn't record your payment correctly, your confirmation number is your primary evidence that you made the payment.
- Tracking: It allows you to track the status of your payment.
- Modifying/Canceling Payments (EFTPS and some Direct Pay): With a confirmation number, you may be able to modify or cancel a scheduled payment (typically up to two business days before the payment date for EFTPS).
Step 5: Verify Payment Posting (Optional but Recommended)
While you receive an immediate confirmation number, it's a good practice to verify that the payment has indeed posted to your IRS account or been withdrawn from your bank.
Sub-heading: How to Verify:
- Check Your Bank Statement: For direct debit payments (EFTPS or Direct Pay), check your bank account statement within a few business days to ensure the funds have been withdrawn.
- Check Your IRS Online Account: If you have an IRS online account, you can log in to view your payment history and balance.
- Contact the Payment Processor (for debit/credit card payments): If you have concerns, you can call the customer service line of the third-party processor you used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Paying your taxes by phone can sometimes lead to questions. Here are 10 common "How to" questions with quick answers to help you out:
How to find the correct IRS phone number for payments?
The primary phone numbers for making payments via third-party processors are generally 800-272-9829 (ACI Payments, Inc.) and 888-729-1040 (Pay1040). For EFTPS, call 800-555-4477. Always refer to the official IRS.gov website for the most current and accurate phone numbers.
How to avoid fees when paying the IRS by phone?
To avoid fees, you would need to use the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) by phone, which requires prior enrollment. Payments made using debit or credit cards through third-party processors will always incur a convenience fee.
How to get a confirmation number for my phone payment?
The automated system or live operator will provide you with a confirmation number at the end of your successful phone payment. Make sure to write it down or request an email confirmation if offered.
How to cancel a payment made by phone?
If you paid via EFTPS, you can generally cancel a scheduled payment up to two business days before the payment date by calling the EFTPS phone number. For third-party debit/credit card payments, you would need to contact the specific processor directly to inquire about cancellation policies, which may vary.
How to check if my phone payment was successful?
You can check your bank statement for the withdrawal or log into your IRS online account to view your payment history. For EFTPS, you can also view your payment status within the EFTPS system after logging in.
How to pay an estimated tax payment by phone?
You can pay estimated taxes by phone using either a third-party debit/credit card processor (with a fee) or through the free EFTPS system after enrollment.
How to pay a tax balance due from a notice by phone?
When making the payment, you will be prompted to indicate the reason for payment. Select the option that corresponds to paying a balance due from a notice, and be ready to provide the notice number if requested.
How to get assistance if I have trouble making a phone payment?
For issues with third-party processor payments, contact their customer service line. For EFTPS issues, contact the EFTPS customer service. If you have general tax questions or issues that aren't payment-specific, you might need to contact the main IRS help line at 800-829-1040.
How to ensure my personal information is secure when paying by phone?
Only use the IRS-authorized payment processors and their official phone numbers. Be wary of unsolicited calls claiming to be the IRS. The IRS typically initiates contact via mail.
How to pay a previous year's tax liability by phone?
When prompted during the phone payment process, you will be asked to specify the tax year to which your payment applies. Simply enter the correct prior tax year.
