Can You Pay the IRS by Credit Card​?

January 30, 2026 by Charla Suaste

When tax season rolls around, or you receive a surprise notice in the mail, the first question on many taxpayers' minds is: How am I going to pay for this? If you don’t have the cash sitting in your bank account, you might wonder, "Can I just put it on my credit card?" 

The short answer is yes. According to the IRS, paying your federal taxes by credit card is a valid and legal option. However, before you swipe, it is important to understand the logistics, the costs, and the potential alternatives available to you.
 

How to Pay the IRS with a Credit Card

The IRS does not process credit card payments directly. Instead, they authorize several third-party payment processors to handle these transactions. You can make these payments online, by phone, or through the IRS2Go mobile app. 

When you use a credit card, the payment date is the date the charge is authorized, which can be helpful if you are trying to meet a strict deadline like April 15. Additionally, the IRS notes that if you pay at least $1 toward your estimated tax via credit card, it can serve as a request for an automatic extension of time to file (Form 4868), eliminating the need to file extra paperwork.
 

The True Cost: Convenience Fees and Interest

While the IRS itself does not charge a fee for credit card payments, the authorized processors do. These are commonly referred to as "convenience fees." Based on IRS data, these fees typically range from roughly 1.75% to 1.85% of your total tax payment, with minimum fees applying to smaller amounts. 

Beyond the convenience fee, you must consider your credit card’s interest rate. If you cannot pay off the balance immediately, the high APR on most credit cards can quickly make your tax debt much more expensive than it would be under an IRS payment plan. The IRS suggests that taxpayers compare the credit card company’s interest rate and fees against the combination of interest and penalties set by the Internal Revenue Code.
 

Is It the Best Option?

Paying by credit card might be a good short-term solution if: 

• You can pay off the balance quickly. 
• You are earning significant rewards or points that offset the convenience fee. 
• You need to avoid a late-filing or late-payment penalty immediately. 

However, if you are using a credit card because you are facing a large amount of debt that you cannot manage, a credit card might just be a "Band-Aid" on a much larger wound. High-interest debt can snowball, making it even harder to get back on track with your finances.
 

Finding a Long-Term Solution

If your tax bill is more than you can handle, or if you are dealing with years of back taxes, putting it all on a credit card may not be the wisest move. At TaxAudit, we offer professional Tax Debt Relief services to help you navigate the complexities of the IRS collection process. Our experts can help you explore options like Installment Agreements, Offers in Compromise, or "Currently Not Collectible" status, which may be more affordable than high-interest credit card debt. 

Furthermore, if your tax debt is the result of a spouse or former spouse's actions, you may not be responsible for the full amount. You can learn more about how to protect yourself on our Innocent Spouse Relief page. 

Paying the IRS by credit card is convenient, but it isn’t always the cheapest or best way to handle a tax liability. Before you commit to a high-interest payment, make sure you’ve explored all your options for professional relief.