How to Pay Estimated Taxes Online
Effective immediately, the IRS is no longer accepting paper checks for estimated income tax payments. All estimated tax payments must be submitted electronically. Here is what you need to know:
Using IRS Direct Pay
IRS Direct Pay is the fastest, most secure way to make federal tax payments directly from your bank account at no cost. Access it at
https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay-with-bank-account
Follow these steps:
- Step 1 Go to pay.irs.gov and select ‘Make a Payment.’
- Step 2 Choose your reason for payment (e.g., Estimated Tax) and select the applicable tax year.
- Step 3 Verify your identity using information from a prior year federal tax return.
- Step 4 Enter your bank account routing and account number, and your payment amount.
- Step 5 Review all details and submit. You will receive a confirmation number immediately upon completion.
IMPORTANT: IRS Direct Pay payments must be scheduled at least one business day in advance of the due date. Do not wait until midnight on the deadline day.
Other Electronic Payment Options
In addition to IRS Direct Pay, estimated tax payments can also be made through EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System) at eftps.gov, which is popular for S-corp and business tax deposits. You may also pay via debit or credit card through an IRS-approved payment processor, though service fees apply.
USPS & Certified Mail Requirements
If you must mail anything to the IRS — such as a tax return, amended return, or written correspondence — always use USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested. This provides legal proof of timely filing. Keep your tracking number and postal receipt as part of your permanent records. Standard first-class mail does not provide this protection. FedEx and UPS may also be used, but only to IRS-designated addresses.
