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Before you pay by check, consider paying electronically. It’s fast, easy and secure.
Electronic payment options
You can make most common tax payments in your individual account. For other tax payments, use Direct Pay with your bank account. Find forms accepted by Direct Pay.
If you mail your tax payment:
- Make your check, money order or cashier's check payable to U.S. Treasury.
- Please note: Do not send cash through the mail. If you prefer cash payment, see More information.
- Enter the amount using all numbers ($###.##).
- Do not use staples or paper clips to affix your payment to your voucher or return.
- Make sure your check or money order includes the following information:
- Your name and address
- Daytime phone number
- Tax year the payment is for
- Related tax form (like "1040") or notice number
- Social Security number (SSN), employer identification number (EIN), or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) of the person who should receive credit for the payment
- If you filed a joint tax return but you and your spouse were assessed separate amounts, also write "MFT 31 separate assessment” on the memo line
- If you’re mailing a payment with Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher, use regular mail. Using private delivery services may delay your payment processing.
- Mail your payment to the address listed on the notice or instructions, or consult the table.
| What is your payment situation? | |
|---|---|
| Paying and filing | Refer to your form instructions, or find the correct address by state or by form |
| Received a notice | Follow the payment instructions on the notice you received |
| Paying only (already filed) |
Individuals: Find where to send balance due payments Businesses: Procedures may vary for different types of tax. Learn more |
| Paying an installment | Follow the instructions on your notice, or find where to send balance due payments |
Notice to taxpayers presenting checks
When you provide a check as payment, you authorize us either to use information from your check to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account or to process the payment as a check transaction. When we use information from your check to make an electronic fund transfer, funds may be withdrawn from your account as soon as the same day we receive your payment, and you will not receive your check back from your financial institution.
Larger payments
We can't accept single check or money order amounts of $100 million or more. You can submit multiple payments or make a same-day wire payment.
More information
- If you choose to pay by cash, do it through a retail partner or find out whether cash payments are accepted at a nearby IRS office
- Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher and Instructions PDF
- Understanding your notice or letter