How to Pay Your Taxes

Some types of tax, such as sales tax and payroll tax, are automatically collected by the government. However, other types of taxes need to be paid directly to your government tax agency. Most government tax agencies provide several different ways that you can pay your taxes so you can choose the one that works best for you. In most cases, paying online is the fastest, although you also have the option of mailing your payment or taking it to the nearest tax office in person.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Making an Electronic Payment

1
Find the correct tax agency website. Different types of taxes are assessed by different levels of government. You might have to pay taxes to federal, state, or local tax agencies. If you have a bill from the tax agency, it will typically have the URL for the agency's website on it.^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceOfficial UK government websiteOfficial website for the public sector of the UK governmentGo to source}
- If you don't have a bill or other correspondence, do an internet search for the name of the tax agency to find the correct website. Check the information on the top and bottom of the homepage for the website and make sure it's an official government site before submitting a payment.
2
Use your debit or credit card to make a payment online. Almost all federal, state, and local tax agencies accept payments online through their websites. Typically, you can use any major debit or credit card to make your payment.^{[2]XResearch source}
- You may also be able to schedule your payment for a certain date or set up recurring payments.
Warning: Tax agencies typically charge a service fee for debit and credit card transactions. Make sure you understand how much the fee is before you proceed with this option.
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3
Provide your bank account number to set up an online transfer. Most tax agencies also allow you to make a direct payment through your bank account in the form of an automatic debit. These payments are typically the quickest and easiest to do.^{[3]XTrustworthy SourceInternal Revenue ServiceU.S. government agency in charge of managing the Federal Tax CodeGo to source}
- Tax agencies typically don't charge a fee for direct debits from your bank account, so paying by this method can also save you some money.
4
Arrange automatic payments through your bank. If you need to make recurring tax payments, you might be able to set up an automatic payment or demand draft through your bank. This authorizes the tax agency to withdraw your tax payment from your bank account on specified dates.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Before you can set this payment up, you'll need identification information from the tax agency, including a specific name and ID number. This is typically available on the tax agency's website, or you can call the tax agency's customer service number and ask.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Submitting Payment through the Mail

1
Verify the amount of tax that you owe. If you got a bill from the tax agency, it will list the amount of money you owe. If you didn't get a bill, you can typically call the tax agency's customer service number and find out how much money you owe.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceOfficial UK government websiteOfficial website for the public sector of the UK governmentGo to source}
- If you have an online account with the tax agency's website, you can also typically look at a statement of your account there and find out how much you owe.
- For some types of taxes, such as real estate property tax in the US, you can look up the amount of tax you owe even if you don't have an online account. However, you'll have to know the correct ID number to access the information.^{[6]XResearch source}
Tip: If you're paying after the due date, you might want to check with the tax agency before you send your payment to find out if you owe any fees, penalties, or interest in addition to the amount shown on the bill.
2
Get a bank check or money order. While you can also mail a personal check, a bank check or money order is usually your best option because you don't have to worry about them not being honored. You can get a bank or cashier's check at your bank. Money orders are available at post offices as well as some retail money transfer services.^{[7]XTrustworthy SourceOfficial UK government websiteOfficial website for the public sector of the UK governmentGo to source}
- Check on your bill or on the tax agency's website to find out the specific name to make the check payable to as well as any other information that needs to be included on the check. At a minimum, you'll need to include your tax account number or personal ID number so the payment can be linked to your account.
- Include your tax account number on your check or money order even if you're including a payment slip, because these can easily be separated.
3
Include any payment slip or voucher that you've received. If the tax agency has sent you a bill, it likely includes a payment slip for you to detach. Some tax agencies also require you to submit a voucher or other form to ensure that your payment is credited correctly.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Forms typically are available for download on the tax agency's website. You may also be able to call the tax agency's customer service number and get them to mail you a form to include with your payment.
- Don't staple, clip, or otherwise attach the payment slip or voucher to your check. Keep them separate in the envelope.
4
Send your payment to the tax agency. Typically, you can use regular mail service — there's no need to send your payment using priority mail or to require a signature. Often, tax agencies receive payments at a P.O. Box, so there would be no one to sign for the delivery anyway.^{[9]XResearch source}
- If you got a bill in the mail, it will have the address where you need to send your payment. It may also include a self-addressed envelope that you can use. If you didn't get a bill, check the tax agency's website or call their customer service number to get the right address.
- If you're getting close to the due date, check with the tax agency to find out whether they use the postmark date or the date the payment was actually received to determine if your payment is on time. Most tax agencies use the postmark, but you still want to make sure.
5
Follow up to make sure your payment is received. If you have an online account with the tax agency, you can typically go there to see if your payment was received and properly credited. You may also be able to find out by calling the tax agency's customer service number.^{[10]XTrustworthy SourceOfficial UK government websiteOfficial website for the public sector of the UK governmentGo to source}
- Give your payment at least 3 to 4 business days to get to the tax agency and be properly credited to your account.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Paying in Person

1
Locate the nearest tax agency office. If you received a bill for your taxes, the address of the tax agency office should be listed on that bill. However, check to make sure that's an office address and not simply the address for you to mail your payments. You may have to check the tax agency's website to find the address for the office.^{[11]XResearch source}
- While you're on the website, confirm that you can make payments in person. Some tax agencies may not accept payments in person at their offices, although most do.
2
Confirm the amount you owe in taxes. Unless you received a bill in the mail, check online or by phone to get the exact amount you owe. That way, you can make sure you have the right amount and don't face an unpleasant surprise.^{[12]XResearch source}
- When you call, you might also want to ask what methods of payment are accepted. Some tax agencies may not accept cash. If they do accept cash, they may only accept exact change.
3
Take your payment to the nearest office during business hours. You normally don't need an appointment simply to make a tax payment. However, depending on the day of the week and the time of day, you may have to wait in line.^{[13]XResearch source}
- If you have a tax statement or bill, bring it with you along with your payment.
Tip: Ask the tax agent who takes your payment for a receipt and keep it in your financial records. Keep in mind that you may get additional notices in the mail that were sent out before you made your payment.
4
Call the tax agency's toll-free number to make a phone payment. Some tax agencies also allow you to make a payment by phone. You can find the phone number on the tax agency's website. It may also be listed on any bill or statement you've received.^{[14]XResearch source}
- Some numbers connect you with a live tax agent. These numbers are typically only available during regular business hours. However, automated lines may be available 24/7.
5
Pay cash at a tax agency retail partner. Some tax agencies, including the IRS in the US, partner with retail stores to take tax payments if you need to pay in cash. These locations are typically listed on the tax agency's website.^{[15]XTrustworthy SourceInternal Revenue ServiceU.S. government agency in charge of managing the Federal Tax CodeGo to source}
- You might also see signs at retail stores advertising that they can take tax payments.
- In many countries, you can also make tax payments at post offices or banks.^{[16]XResearch source}
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Is It Safe To Pay Your Taxes Online?

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Can you put income or property tax on a credit card?
Alan Mehdiani, CPA
Certified Public Accountant
Alan Mehdiani is a certified public accountant and the CEO of Mehdiani Financial Management, based in the Los Angeles, California metro area. With over 15 years of experience in financial and wealth management, Alan has experience in accounting and taxation, business formation, financial planning and investments, and real estate and business sales. Alan holds a BA in Business Economics and Accounting from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Alan Mehdiani, CPA
Certified Public Accountant
Expert Answer
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What can I do to owe less on my taxes?
Samantha Gorelick, CFP®
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Samantha Gorelick is a Lead Financial Planner at Brunch & Budget, a financial planning and coaching organization. Samantha has over 6 years of experience in the financial services industry, and has held the Certified Financial Planner™ designation since 2017. Samantha specializes in personal finance, working with clients to understand their money personality while teaching them how to build their credit, manage cash flow, and accomplish their goals.
Samantha Gorelick, CFP®
Financial Planner
Expert Answer
If you receive a W2, check the withholding on your payroll. If you take fewer exemptions, your paycheck will be a little lower, but you'll owe less in taxes at the end of the year, and you might end up getting a refund. If you're paid by 1099, you won't have any taxes deducted to your pay. In that case, I recommend saving 25% of every check that comes in. You might not need that full 25%, but when tax time comes, you'll be ready no matter what.
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Tips

If you are an independent contractor, your taxes aren't automatically deducted from your paycheck. To avoid being hit with a substantial tax bill, it's a good idea to save 25% of what you earn throughout the year, and use that to pay your taxes.^{[17]XExpert SourceSamantha Gorelick, CFP®
Financial PlannerExpert Interview. 6 May 2020.}
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If you owe more taxes than you expected, consider adjusting your withholding at work. You'll bring home a little less each week, but you'll owe less in taxes at the end of the year, and you might even get a refund if you pay in more taxes than you owe.^{[18]XExpert SourceSamantha Gorelick, CFP®
Financial PlannerExpert Interview. 6 May 2020.}
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If you can't pay the full amount of taxes that you owe, you might be able to make installment payments over time. Contact the appropriate tax agency to find out if this option is available.^{[19]XTrustworthy SourceOfficial UK government websiteOfficial website for the public sector of the UK governmentGo to source}
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- If you're worried that you won't be able to pay your taxes by the due date, call the tax agency as soon as possible and let them know. They might be willing to work something out with you if you call before the due date.^{[20]XTrustworthy SourceOfficial UK government websiteOfficial website for the public sector of the UK governmentGo to source}

Warnings

If you don't pay taxes by the date they're due, you'll likely be charged penalties and interest on the amount you owe.
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If you receive a tax bill, don't ignore it. Penalties and interest will accumulate as time passes.^{[21]XTrustworthy SourceInternal Revenue ServiceU.S. government agency in charge of managing the Federal Tax CodeGo to source}
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