Here’s what HIVE AI had to say about “What options are available for paying taxes online?”:
Online options to pay federal taxes
Pay directly from your bank account
- IRS Direct Pay: Make one-time payments from a checking or savings account with no fees. You can schedule in advance and get instant confirmation. Works for 1040-series balances, estimates, and more 1
- Online Account: Sign in to view your balance and make same-day payments from your bank account; you can also see payment history and plan details 2
- Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW): When you e-file your return with software or a tax pro, you can authorize a bank debit for the amount due or estimated payments; no extra fee 2
- Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS): Best for businesses and also available to individuals; enroll once, then pay online or by phone, schedule payments, and view history; no fees 3
Pay by card or digital wallet
- Credit/debit card or digital wallet: Pay online or by phone through authorized processors. The IRS doesn’t charge a fee, but processors do; see the IRS list of providers and fees 3
- IRS2Go mobile app: The IRS’s app lets you make a payment via the same approved options and check refund status 2
Other electronic options you may consider
- Same-day wire: Arrange a same-day wire through your financial institution (fees and cutoff times apply) 4
- Pay by cash at a retail partner: Make a cash payment at participating stores after setting it up through IRS channels; useful if you don’t have a bank account 4
Legal and security framework
- Treasury regulations authorize payment by “commercially acceptable means” (such as cards) and require the IRS to set rules for acceptance and timing; the IRS may contract with processors, and processor fees apply rather than IRS fees 5
- Regulations outline confidentiality and permitted use of data for card payments and related error resolution, billing, and refunds 6
- Individuals may voluntarily remit income taxes by electronic funds transfer per regulation; payroll tax regs similarly allow EFT and other instructed methods 7
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Quick picks based on your situation
- Need a fast, free one-time payment without logging in: Use Direct Pay 2
- Want to see balance, schedule, and track payments: Use Online Account or EFTPS 2
3 - Paying when you e-file your return: Choose Electronic Funds Withdrawal in your software 2
- Prefer card or digital wallet and don’t mind a convenience fee: Use an IRS-authorized processor 3
- No bank account: Set up cash at a retail partner 4
If you tell me whether this is an individual, business, balance due, estimated taxes, or a notice payment, I’ll recommend the best option and steps.
Sources
1 – IRS.gov Tax Topics 📄 Summarize
2 – IRS Newsroom – IR-2024-71 📄 Summarize
3 – IRS.gov – Paying your taxes 📄 Summarize
4 – IRS.gov – Instructions for Form 2290 (07/2025) 📄 Summarize
5 – IRC § 6311(d) 📄 Summarize
6 – Treasury Regulation 301.6311-2 📄 Summarize
7 – Treasury Regulation 1.6302-4 📄 Summarize
8 – Treasury Regulation 31.6302-1 📄 Summarize
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