Why This Guide Exists
The IRS began phasing out paper checks for individual taxpayers on September 30, 2025, as required by Executive Order 14247. This is the first step toward a full transition to electronic payments, designed to make refunds faster and more secure. For details, visit the official IRS announcement.
Federal Disbursements Are Going Digital
Effective September 30, 2025
Not just outgoing payments—all inflows to the federal government, including fines, fees, and loan repayments, must be electronic. Paper checks will no longer be accepted.
Benefit Payments: Social Security, Veterans Affairs benefits, and other federal programs will transition to direct deposit or other electronic methods.
Vendor & Agency Payments: Payments to contractors, vendors, and intragovernmental transfers will be processed electronically.
Fees, Fines, Loans & Tax Receipts: Collections such as fines, fees, loan disbursements, and tax payments will shift to secure electronic systems.
Lockbox Services: Treasury lockboxes used for paper check processing will be phased out.
How to Set Up an IRS Account Online
This process takes about 15 minutes, but gives you long‑term access to important information such as viewing balances, notices, and payment options.
- Go to irs.gov/account
- Select “Sign in or create account” under the correct category (i.e. Individual, Business, etc.)
- Choose “ID.me Create an Account”
- Verify your identity (you’ll need a photo ID and a quick selfie)
- Create your login credentials and use them to access your account in the future
Direct Pay (Most Common)
- Pay directly from your checking or savings account with no fees
- No account required
- Best for one‑time payments
Pay By Card: Debit or Credit Card
- Allowed, but third‑party processors charge fees
- Good for convenience, not ideal for cost
Pay In Online Account
- Lets you view your balance, payment history, and notices
- Requires identity verification (ID.me or Login.gov)
Payment Plans
- Monthly payments if you can’t pay in full (application required)
- Fees vary based on the plan
- Needs an irs.gov account
- Find this option near the bottom of the page
Step 1: Access the MyTax Missouri Portal
- Go to the Missouri Department of Revenue website
- Hover over “Taxation” (don’t click yet)
- Hover over “Individual Tax” or “Business Tax”
- In the menu that appears, click “Pay Taxes or Request Payment Plan”
- On the next page, select “Make a ONE-TIME PAYMENT” on my account
- A pop-up will warn you that you’re leaving the site—click “Yes”
Step 2: Navigate to the Payment Page
- You’ll be redirected to the secure payment portal
- Click “I would like to: Process a Payment”
Step 3: Enter Payment Details
- Choose the correct Payment Category (e.g., Personal Income Tax)
- Select the Payment Type (e.g., Personal Income Tax Balance Due or Billing Notice)
- Enter your Social Security Number
- Select the Tax Year
- Type in the Payment Amount
- Click “Add Item”
- Once your amount appears in the shopping cart, click “Next Step: Payment Information”
Step 4: Provide Payment Information
- Enter your billing details
- Then click “Next Step: Add Payment Method”
Step 5: Choose Payment Method
- Select Credit Card or eCheck
- Enter your payment details
- Then click “Next Step: Review Payment”
Step 6: Review and Submit
- Review all payment details carefully
- Check the box to authorize the payment
- Click “Make Payment” to complete the process
- Save the confirmation page or receipt for your records
Frequently Asked Question
Both. Federal and state taxes are separate, and each has its own payment process. This guide covers both so you know where to go.
If you need to make a payment to the IRS (for a balance due or estimated taxes), you’ll use IRS Direct Pay:
- Go to IRS.gov/payments
- Click “Direct Pay with bank account” and select if it is a personal or business tax payment
- Click “Make a Payment” on the Direct Pay page
- Select “Reason for Payment” (e.g., tax return balance due)
- Choose the Type of Tax (1040 or others)
- Choose the Tax Year for which payment is due
- Enter your Personal Information (Name, SSN/ITIN)
- Provide your Mailing Address as used on your return
- Enter your Bank Routing Number (must be 9 digits)
- Enter your Bank Account Number (up to 17 characters)
- Choose Account Type: Checking or Savings
- Enter the Payment Amount for your balance or estimate
- Choose a Payment Date (can schedule future date)
- Review all details carefully: personal info, amounts, bank info
- Accept the IRS’s Authorization to withdraw the funds
- Submit the form and get a Confirmation Number
- Opt to receive the confirmation via email (optional)
- Save the Confirmation Number for your records
- You can view, change, or cancel the payment up to two days before
- Monitor your bank account to ensure the payment posts as scheduled
The easiest, fastest, and safest method to give the IRS your routing and account number—whether for a refund or to pay a balance—is through your tax return. Your tax preparer:
- Enters your bank’s 9-digit routing number and your account number and specifies whether it’s a checking or savings account.
- Ensures accuracy and security by reviewing those numbers with you directly.
- Submits the information simultaneously with your return, avoiding extra steps or delays.
That method is by far the easiest and most secure—no separate IRS login, no need to rekey data, just direct placement on your Form 1040.
You may not need to make a payment or receive payments digitally if:
- Your balance is below the IRS threshold for collection
- You’re already on an installment plan
- Your state doesn’t have income tax
- You do not have banking access (Individuals without traditional bank accounts can request alternatives like prepaid debit cards, digital wallets, or use Treasury-sponsored solutions such as Direct Express to receive or make payments).
- If you are legally required to make paper transactions. Paper checks will still be issued in situations mandated by law, such as certified payments, emergency disbursements, or national security needs.
If you’re unsure, reach out so we can help you understand your specific situation.
You can pay with a credit card, but there are processing fees. You can only pay with a prepaid card if it is attached to your PayPal, Venmo or Click to Pay account. You can use PayPal, Venmo or Click to Pay to make your payment on IRS Direct Pay.
You’ll see a confirmation number on the screen after submitting your payment. Save or screenshot it! You can also choose to have the confirmation emailed to you.
If you have an IRS Online Account, you can also see your payment posted there.
Instead of a one-time payment, select Apply for a Payment Plan on irs.gov/payments. You can set up monthly installments or request a Partial Payment Installment Agreement (PPIA) if you qualify.
Installment Agreement: Use IRS.gov’s Online Payment Agreement to request a monthly payment plan.
Partial Payment Installment Agreement (PPIA): If you can’t pay the full balance before the Collection Statute Expiration Date, you might qualify for a PPIA—though this requires providing full financial disclosure using Form 9465 or the Online Payment Agreement tool.
How to Set Up a Payment Plan:
- Go to IRS.gov Payments → Make a Payment / Set up payment plan.
- Choose “Apply for a payment plan” instead of a one-time payment.
- Follow prompts to:
- Indicate you can’t pay in full
- Choose a monthly installment agreement
- Potentially set up a PPIA, if needed
- Fill out financial details (income, expenses, assets) online or via Form 9465, if required.
- Submit the plan for IRS review. You’ll receive a letter or email confirmation once it’s accepted.
Update your address with the IRS using Form 8822 or through your IRS online account to ensure correspondence and refunds go to the right place.