How to Pay Federal Taxes Using EFTPS

What EFTPS Is and How It Works

EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System) is the IRS's official online and phone system for sending federal tax payments directly from your bank account. You do not mail a check or use a third-party payment processor — you log in, enter the amount and tax type, and the IRS pulls the money on the date you choose. The payment goes straight to the U.S. Treasury, and you get a confirmation number immediately.

EFTPS is free to use. The IRS runs it, and there are no fees added to your payment. You can pay income tax, self-employment tax, estimated quarterly tax, or payroll taxes (if you are an employer). Payments typically clear within one business day, though you can schedule them up to 120 days in advance.

You access EFTPS through the IRS website (eftps.gov) or by phone at 1-800-555-3453. Both routes require you to enroll first, which takes about 10 minutes online or a few minutes by phone. You will need your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number, your bank account and routing number, and a valid email address.

Key Takeaways

• EFTPS is the IRS's free payment system and is the only method that guarantees the IRS receives your payment on the exact date you choose.
• You must enroll before your first payment, which you can do online at eftps.gov or by phone at 1-800-555-3453 in about 10 minutes.
• Payments are pulled directly from your bank account and clear within one business day, though you can schedule them up to 120 days ahead.
• If you miss a tax deadline, paying through EFTPS creates a timestamped record that proves when the IRS received your payment.

Enrolling in EFTPS Online

Go to eftps.gov and click "Enroll Now." You will be asked for your Social Security Number (or EIN if you own a business), your date of birth, your mailing address, and your email address. The system will verify your identity using information from your tax return or IRS records.

Next, enter your bank account number and routing number. This is the same information you would write on a check. EFTPS does not charge a fee, but your bank may charge you for ACH transfers — most do not, but check your account agreement or call your bank to be sure.

After you submit, the IRS sends you a temporary PIN by mail within 5 to 7 business days. You will need this PIN to log in for the first time. Once you log in, you can create a permanent password and start scheduling payments immediately.

Enrolling by Phone

Call 1-800-555-3453 and select the option to enroll. A representative will ask for your Social Security Number, date of birth, mailing address, and bank account details. The call takes about 5 to 10 minutes. You will receive your temporary PIN by mail within 5 to 7 business days, just as you would with online enrollment.

Phone enrollment is useful if you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone. The IRS also offers phone enrollment in Spanish by pressing the appropriate option at the start of the call.

Making a Payment Through EFTPS

Log in to eftps.gov with your Social Security Number (or EIN) and password. Click "Make a Payment." You will see a form asking for the tax type (1040 for individual income tax, 1120 for corporate, 941 for payroll, etc.), the tax year, and the amount.

Choose the date you want the payment withdrawn from your account. EFTPS allows you to schedule payments up to 120 days in advance. If you choose today, the payment is pulled within one business day. The system shows you a confirmation number immediately — write this down or take a screenshot, because it proves the IRS received your payment on that date.

You can also make payments by phone using the same number: 1-800-555-3453. Select "Make a Payment" and follow the prompts. Phone payments work the same way as online payments and generate the same confirmation number.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline

If you pay through EFTPS after the tax deadline, the IRS considers the payment received on the date it clears your bank account, not the date you scheduled it. This matters because late payments trigger penalties and interest. However, if you can show that you scheduled the payment before the deadline and the delay was the IRS's fault (rare), you may be able to dispute the penalty.

The confirmation number from EFTPS is your proof that you initiated the payment and when. Keep it with your tax records. If the IRS assesses a late penalty and you believe you paid on time, you can reference this confirmation number when you contact the IRS to request penalty relief.

To avoid this problem, schedule your payment at least one business day before the deadline. If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the IRS extends it to the next business day, but do not rely on this — pay earlier.

EFTPS vs. Other Payment Methods

The IRS also accepts payments through credit card, debit card, and third-party payment processors (like PayPal, Stripe, or Square Cash). These methods charge a convenience fee (usually 1.87% to 2.35% of the payment amount), which EFTPS does not. If you are paying $5,000 in taxes, a third-party processor might charge $94 to $118 on top of your payment.

EFTPS is also the only method that lets you schedule payments far in advance and guarantees the exact date the IRS receives your money. Credit card and third-party payments may take longer to post, which can affect whether the IRS considers your payment on time.

If you do not have a bank account, you cannot use EFTPS. In that case, you can pay by check (mail it to the IRS address on your tax form), by credit or debit card through a third-party processor, or in person at certain banks and tax preparation offices.

Troubleshooting Common EFTPS Problems

If you forget your password, go to eftps.gov and click "Forgot Password." You will be asked security questions and your email address. The system will send you a link to reset your password within a few minutes.

If you do not receive your temporary PIN within 10 business days of enrolling, call 1-800-555-3453 and ask for a replacement PIN. Have your Social Security Number and mailing address ready. The IRS will mail a new PIN, which usually arrives within 5 to 7 business days.

If a payment fails (for example, because your bank account does not have enough funds), EFTPS will notify you by email and show an error message when you log in. You can reschedule the payment for a later date once you have resolved the issue with your bank.

If you believe a payment was not received by the IRS, log in to EFTPS and check your payment history. The system shows every payment you have scheduled and whether it cleared. If a payment shows as scheduled but not cleared after one business day, call 1-800-555-3453 with your confirmation number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel or change a payment after I schedule it?

Yes, but only before the payment is withdrawn from your account. Log in to EFTPS, find the payment in your history, and click "Cancel" if the option appears. Once the money has left your bank account, you cannot cancel through EFTPS — you would need to contact the IRS directly to request a refund or credit.

Do I have to use EFTPS if I am self-employed?

No. Self-employed people pay estimated quarterly taxes, and EFTPS is one way to do it, but not the only way. You can also pay by check, credit card, or third-party processor. However, EFTPS is free and lets you schedule payments in advance, which makes it the most convenient option for most people.

What if my bank charges a fee for ACH transfers?

Some banks charge a small fee (usually $1 to $3) for outgoing ACH transfers. Call your bank and ask whether they charge for ACH payments to the federal government. If they do, you might prefer to pay by check or credit card instead, though credit card payments include a separate convenience fee charged by the payment processor.

Can I use EFTPS to pay state taxes?

No. EFTPS is for federal taxes only. Each state runs its own tax payment system. Search "[your state] tax payment" to find your state's system, or contact your state tax agency directly.

What if I pay too much by mistake?

The IRS will hold the overpayment and apply it to next year's taxes, or you can request a refund. You do not need to do anything immediately — the IRS will contact you. If you want to request a refund sooner, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and reference your EFTPS confirmation number.