How can I pay my IRS bill?

IRS tax relief often starts with a simple question: how do I pay this bill? The IRS lists several ways to pay, and a few options if you can't pay it all now. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.

Ways to pay the IRS today

The IRS payments page says you can "Pay your federal taxes by bank account, debit or credit card, digital wallet and more." For a bank account, it says: "All tax payments accepted." For a debit or credit card, it says: "Most tax payments accepted. Fees apply." The IRS page shows the current card fees, so check it before you pay.

If you can't pay it all now

The IRS says: "If you can't pay the full amount due, pay as much as you can and visit IRS.gov/payments to consider our online payment options." Paying part of the bill now still helps, because interest builds on whatever is unpaid.

Still file your return on time. The IRS payment plan page says: "There's also a penalty for failure to file a tax return, so you should file timely even if you can't pay your balance in full."

Payment plans

The IRS says: "Payment plans let you pay your taxes over time." It also says: "A payment plan is an agreement with the IRS to pay the taxes you owe within an extended timeframe." Fees apply to set up some plans. IRS payment plan fees covers who can apply online.

Asking the IRS to wait

The IRS payments page says: "You can ask us to delay the collection process." The payment plan page says: "Penalties and interest continue to accrue until your balance is paid in full."

Paying less with an offer

The same page says: "You can request an offer in compromise (OIC). This lets you settle your tax debt for less than the full amount." You can ask, but the IRS decides. How long an offer in compromise takes covers the timing.

Get help with your IRS bill

The Taxpayer Advocate Service page on paying taxes has more help on payment plans, offers and delays. What to do when you owe the IRS and can't pay puts the options in order.