Yes, you can pay the IRS with a direct debit from your checking account
The IRS accepts direct debit payments straight from your checking account through a system called the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS). You authorize the IRS to pull money from your account on a date you choose, and the payment posts within one business day. This method works for estimated tax payments, balance-due amounts on your tax return, and installment agreement payments.
Direct debit is one of the fastest ways to pay the IRS because the money clears quickly and you get immediate confirmation. Unlike mailing a check or using a credit card (which charges a processing fee), direct debit from checking costs nothing and reduces the chance of a payment getting lost in the mail.
You do not need to set up EFTPS through a separate website or app — you can authorize a one-time direct debit payment right on IRS.gov, or you can enroll in EFTPS if you make regular payments throughout the year.
Key Takeaways
- Direct debit from checking is free and the money posts within one business day, making it faster than check or mail payment.
- You can make a one-time payment on IRS.gov without creating an account, or enroll in EFTPS for recurring payments.
- You will need your routing number and checking account number, plus your Social Security number or EIN and the amount owed.
- The IRS will not charge a fee, but your bank may charge a fee if you overdraft or if your account does not support ACH transfers.
- If you miss a payment date or the payment fails, the IRS will contact you about the missed amount plus any penalties and interest.
How to set up a one-time direct debit payment on IRS.gov
Go to IRS.gov and select "Pay Now" under the Payments section. Choose "Direct Debit" as your payment method. You will enter your checking account routing number and account number, your Social Security number or EIN, the tax year the payment covers, and the amount you want to pay.
Select the date you want the payment to come out of your account — this can be today or up to 120 days in the future. The IRS will show you a confirmation number immediately. Write this down or take a screenshot. The money will leave your account on the date you chose, and the IRS will post it to your account within one business day.
You do not need to create a login or password for a one-time payment. If you pay this way regularly, you may want to enroll in EFTPS instead so you do not have to re-enter your account details each time.
Setting up EFTPS for recurring or regular payments
EFTPS is the IRS's system for businesses and individuals who make multiple tax payments throughout the year — estimated quarterly payments, payroll withholding, or installment agreement payments. You enroll once, and then you can schedule payments online or by phone without entering your account details again.
To enroll, go to EFTPS.gov and create an account with your Social Security number or EIN. The IRS will mail you a PIN within two weeks. Once you have your PIN, you can log in and schedule direct debit payments. You can schedule payments up to 120 days ahead, and you can change or cancel a scheduled payment up to two business days before the payment date.
EFTPS also lets you schedule payments by phone at 1-800-555-4477 if you prefer not to use the website. The system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
What information you need to provide
Before you authorize a direct debit payment, gather these details:
- Your checking account routing number (the nine-digit code at the bottom left of your checks, or call your bank)
- Your checking account number (usually 10 to 12 digits, also on the bottom of your checks)
- Your Social Security number or Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- The tax year the payment covers
- The amount you want to pay
- The date you want the payment to post (today through 120 days out)
Do not use a savings account or money market account — direct debit only works with checking accounts. If you have a joint checking account, either account holder can authorize the payment.
Fees and what happens if the payment fails
The IRS does not charge a fee for direct debit payments. Your bank may charge a fee if the payment causes your account to overdraft, or if your bank does not support ACH transfers (most do, but some online banks or credit unions may not). Call your bank before you authorize the payment if you are unsure.
If the payment fails because of insufficient funds or a closed account, the IRS will contact you about the missed payment. You will owe the original amount plus any penalties and interest that have accrued. The IRS will usually give you time to make the payment, but if you do not pay, they can place a levy on your account or garnish your wages.
If you know a payment will fail, contact the IRS before the payment date. You can call 1-800-829-1040 or log into EFTPS to cancel or reschedule the payment.
Direct debit versus other payment methods
| Payment Method | Cost | Speed | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct debit from checking | Free | Posts within 1 business day | You want the fastest, cheapest option and have a checking account |
| Credit or debit card | 1.87% to 2.35% processing fee | Posts within 1 business day | You want to earn rewards points or need to spread the cost |
| Check or money order by mail | Cost of postage | Takes 2 to 3 weeks | You do not have online access or prefer paper records |
| Bank transfer or wire | May vary by bank | Posts within 1 business day | Your bank offers this service and you want to avoid entering account details online |
Direct debit is the best choice if you want to avoid fees and do not need the payment to post immediately. If you are on an installment plan with the IRS, direct debit is often the default payment method because it is reliable and costs nothing.
Tracking your payment and getting confirmation
When you authorize a direct debit payment on IRS.gov or EFTPS, you will receive a confirmation number right away. Save this number — it is your proof that the payment was scheduled. The IRS will also send you an email confirmation if you provided an email address.
To check the status of your payment, log into your IRS account on IRS.gov (if you created one) or call 1-800-829-1040. You can also check your bank statement — the payment will show as a debit from your account on the date you selected, usually with a description like "IRS PAYMENT" or "EFTPS."
If you enrolled in EFTPS, you can log in anytime to see all your scheduled and completed payments. EFTPS keeps a record for seven years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use direct debit to pay a payment plan or installment agreement?
Yes. In fact, if you set up an installment agreement with the IRS, they will ask you to authorize direct debit for each monthly payment. This is the most reliable way to stay current on the plan and avoid additional penalties. You can set up direct debit for the installment agreement when you create the plan, or you can add it later through EFTPS.
What if I do not know my routing number?
Call your bank or credit union and ask for your routing number — they can give it to you over the phone in seconds. You can also find it on the bottom left of any check you have, or log into your online banking and look for account details. Do not guess or use a number from the internet, because an incorrect routing number will cause the payment to fail.
Can I schedule a direct debit payment more than 120 days in the future?
No. The IRS only allows you to schedule payments up to 120 days ahead. If you need to pay further out, you can schedule the payment again once you are within 120 days of the due date. EFTPS will remind you when it is time to schedule the next payment.
What if my checking account is closed before the payment date?
The payment will fail, and the IRS will contact you about the missed amount. If you closed your account and opened a new one, contact the IRS right away to update your payment information. You can reschedule the payment to your new account through IRS.gov or EFTPS.
Is direct debit safer than giving my account number to the IRS?
Yes. Direct debit is a standard banking method that has fraud protections built in. The IRS does not store your full account number — they use it only to process the payment you authorize. If you are worried about security, you can make a one-time payment instead of enrolling in EFTPS, so your account details are not saved.