Besides scheduling the bank pay via the tax software, you can make your payment directly to the IRS using any of the following three methods:

  • Bank Account (IRS Direct Pay): You can pay directly from your checking or savings account for free here.

  • Debit or Credit Card: You can pay via card here. Please note: The IRS uses third-party processors that will charge a convenience fee—typically around 2% for credit cards, or a flat ~$2.50 fee for debit cards.

    Additionally, the IRS strictly limits card payments for a current-year tax return to a maximum of 2 payments per year.

  • Check by Mail: You can mail a physical check through the USPS. The correct mailing address is located on the first page of the PDF I provided.

    Important details for mailing a check:

    • Make the check payable to “United States Treasury”.
    • Mail it together with the Form 1040-V payment voucher included in your PDF.
    • On the memo line of the check, you must write: your phone number, “2025 Form 1040”, and your Social Security Number (Note: If you filed a joint return, be sure to use the SSN of the person listed first on the tax return).
    • I highly recommend sending this via Certified Mail with Return Receipt so you have official, legal proof that the payment was mailed on time.

    Strategic advantage: Mailing a check does buy you a few extra days of float time to move funds from your investment accounts into your checking account while the envelope is in transit. Just ensure the funds are fully settled in your checking account by the time the IRS receives the mail, as they process checks electronically upon opening!