How to Pay Estimated Taxes to the IRS — All Payment Methods

Once you've calculated your quarterly estimated tax, you need to actually send the money to the IRS. There are five ways to pay — three free and two with fees. The best option for most people is IRS Direct Pay (free, instant, no account setup required). Here's how each method works.

First, calculate how much you owe with the Quarterly Tax Calculator.

All Payment Methods Compared

Method	Cost	Speed	Setup Required	Best For
IRS Direct Pay	Free	Same day	None	Most individuals
EFTPS	Free	1 business day	Yes (PIN by mail)	Regular quarterly payers
IRS2Go app	Free	Same day	None	Mobile users
Credit card	1.85–1.98% fee	Same day	None	Earning credit card rewards
Check/money order by mail	Stamp cost	1–2 weeks	None	People who prefer paper

Method 1: IRS Direct Pay (Recommended)

Website: irs.gov/directpay

Step-by-step:

Go to irs.gov/directpay
Select "Estimated Tax" as the reason for payment
Select tax year "2026" and form "1040-ES"
Verify your identity (name, SSN, date of birth, filing status, address from prior return)
Enter payment amount and date
Confirm and save your confirmation number

No account creation needed. You can schedule payments up to 365 days in advance. Payments can be canceled up to 2 business days before the scheduled date.

Method 2: EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System)

Website: eftps.gov

Best for people who pay quarterly every year. Requires one-time enrollment:

Go to eftps.gov and click "Enrollment"
Enter your SSN, name, address, and bank account information
Wait 5–7 business days for a PIN to arrive by mail
After activation, schedule all four quarterly payments at once

The advantage of EFTPS: you can schedule all four payments in January and forget about it for the rest of the year. Payments are withdrawn one business day after the scheduled date.

Method 3: IRS2Go Mobile App

The IRS2Go app (available on iOS and Android) connects to Direct Pay and offers the same functionality on your phone. Useful for making quick payments when a deadline is approaching.

Method 4: Credit or Debit Card

The IRS authorizes three payment processors:

Processor	Credit Card Fee	Debit Card Fee
PayUSAtax.com	1.85%	$2.20
Pay1040.com	1.87%	$2.50
ACI Payments	1.98%	$2.20

A $5,000 payment costs $92.50–$99.00 in credit card fees. This only makes sense if your credit card rewards exceed the fee (some premium cards offer 2%+ back, making this a net positive).

Method 5: Check by Mail

If you prefer paper:

Download Form 1040-ES from irs.gov
Fill out the payment voucher for the appropriate quarter
Make check payable to "United States Treasury"
Write your SSN, "2026 Form 1040-ES," and the quarter on the check
Mail to the IRS address listed for your state on the 1040-ES instructions

Mail payments early — allow 1–2 weeks for delivery and processing. The payment date is the postmark date, not the date the IRS processes it.

Record-Keeping Tips

Record	Why You Need It
Confirmation numbers (Direct Pay/EFTPS)	Proof of payment if IRS doesn't credit your account
Bank statements showing withdrawals	Backup proof of payment dates
Payment amounts and dates per quarter	For completing your annual return (Form 1040, Line 26)

Save confirmation numbers somewhere permanent — a spreadsheet, notes app, or printed file. If the IRS doesn't credit a payment to your account, the confirmation number is your evidence.

For understanding whether you need to pay, see Do I Need to Pay Quarterly Taxes?. For the full quarterly tax overview, read Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments — Complete Guide. And for the four deadlines, check When Are Quarterly Taxes Due? 2026 Deadlines.