Paying Your IRS Tax Balance Due

If you owe taxes when you file your tax return, you have several secure ways to pay the IRS. Our software makes it easy to choose a payment method during the filing process, whether you want to pay now or schedule a payment for later.

This article explains your IRS payment options, how electronic withdrawals work, how to verify your payment information, and what to do if you need to change or cancel a scheduled payment.

Paying Taxes Owed: What You Need to Know

Before choosing a payment method, keep these important details in mind:
  • You can pay taxes owed for both original and amended returns.
  • Federal and state tax payments are processed separately.
  • Our software does not withdraw funds from your account. Payments are collected directly by the IRS or your state tax agency.

IRS Payment Options

You can choose from several IRS-approved payment methods.

Electronic Withdrawal (Direct Debit)

Electronic withdrawal allows the IRS to withdraw your payment directly from your bank account.
  • Enter your bank routing and account number during the filing process.
  • Select a payment date when you file your return.
  • The IRS withdraws funds after your return is accepted.
  • If you're filing from outside the United States, your device's time zone may affect the payment date displayed in the software. If you notice the date appears one day earlier than expected, update your device to a U.S. time zone before filing.

IRS Direct Pay

IRS Direct Pay lets you make a payment directly from your bank account through the IRS website.
  • No registration is required.
  • You must verify your identity with the IRS before submitting payment.

IRS Online Account

An IRS Online Account gives you access to your tax information and payment options.

With an IRS Online Account, you can:

  • Make a payment online.
  • View your current balance.
  • Review payment history.
  • Access certain IRS notices and tax records.

Debit or Credit Card

You can also pay using a debit card, credit card, or digital wallet through an IRS-approved payment processor.
  • Processing fees may apply.
  • Fees vary by payment provider.

Check or Money Order

If you prefer, you can mail a payment directly to the IRS.
  • Make your check or money order payable to the United States Treasury.
  • Include all required payment information and tax year details.
  • Mailing addresses vary by location.

How Do I Choose My Payment Method?

To select either electronic withdrawal or a mailed payment while filing:
  1. Select E-file from the menu on the left.
  2. Follow the filing steps until you reach the final filing screens.
  3. Choose that you are finished with your return and ready to file.
  4. Select Continue under the Federal section.
  5. Choose one of the following payment methods:
    • Direct debit (electronic withdrawal)
    • Mailed check

If you want to pay using another IRS payment method, such as Direct Pay, an IRS Online Account, or a credit card, select Mailed Check during the filing process. You can then complete your payment directly through the IRS website.

If you plan to file now and pay later, choose Mailed Check and submit payment separately when you're ready.

Keep in mind that penalties and interest may apply if payment is made after the IRS payment deadline.

Understanding Electronic Withdrawal Timing

When you schedule an electronic withdrawal, the date you choose represents the first date the IRS may begin processing your payment.

Important:

The payment date you select is not a guaranteed withdrawal date. It simply tells the IRS when funds will first be available for withdrawal from your account.

Actual withdrawal timing depends on IRS processing and banking schedules.

How to Verify Your IRS Payment Information

You can review the federal payment information submitted with your return at any time.

To verify your payment details:

  1. Log in to your account.
  2. Select the Profile icon.
  3. Choose Settings.
  4. Select Payment History.
  5. Scroll to the IRS or State Payments section.
There you can review:
  • Payment method
  • Payment amount
  • Scheduled payment date

What If My IRS Payment Has Not Been Withdrawn?

If your return has been accepted and your payment still has not been withdrawn after 7 to 10 business days:
  • Contact IRS Payment Services at 888-353-4537.
Because payments are processed directly by the IRS, our software cannot view IRS payment processing timelines or banking activity.

Can I Change or Cancel an IRS Electronic Withdrawal?

The ability to change or cancel a scheduled IRS payment depends on the status of IRS processing.
  • Before IRS processing begins, changes may be possible.
  • After IRS processing starts, cancellations are generally not allowed.
If you need assistance, contact:
  • IRS Payment Services: 888-353-4537
  • Your financial institution for bank-related support

State Tax Payments

State tax agencies operate independently from the IRS. Each state has its own payment schedules, processing times, and cancellation rules.

Important:

  • The software cannot modify state payment transactions after submission.
  • For payment questions, confirmations, changes, or cancellation requests, contact your state tax agency directly.
Your state tax agency can help with:
  • Payment timing
  • Payment status
  • Payment confirmations
  • Cancellation or modification requests
Because every state follows different procedures, contacting the agency directly is usually the fastest way to resolve payment-related issues.

Summary

If you owe taxes when filing, you can pay by electronic withdrawal, IRS Direct Pay, IRS Online Account, debit or credit card, or by mailing a check or money order. Federal and state payments are handled separately, and all withdrawals are processed by the taxing agency, not by our software. If you need to verify, change, or troubleshoot a payment, review your payment details in your account first, then contact the IRS or your state tax agency as needed.
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While TaxSlayer strives to make the information and links contained in our KB articles as timely and accurate as possible, we make no promise or guarantee about the timeliness, accuracy, or completeness of the contents on these pages. The information contained in the Knowledgebase (KB) is for general information only and is not intended to be tax, financial, or legal advice. The user is encouraged to review additional state and federal resources and publications as needed.

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