How to Pay Quarterly Taxes Online

Paying quarterly estimated taxes doesn't require paper checks or postage stamps. You can handle everything quickly and securely online.

Option 1: IRS Direct Pay

This is the easiest and most common way for sole proprietors to pay. IRS Direct Pay lets you pay directly from your checking or savings account with no fee.

1. Go to the IRS Direct Pay website.
2. Select "Make a Payment."
3. For Reason for Payment, select "Estimated Tax."
4. For Apply Payment To, select "1040ES (for 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ)."
5. For Tax Period for Payment, select the current year (e.g., 2025).
6. Verify your identity using information from a previously filed tax return.
7. Enter your payment amount and bank routing details.

Option 2: EFTPS

The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) is a free service provided by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Once enrolled, you can pay online or entirely by phone.

Unlike Direct Pay which requires identity verification every single time, EFTPS uses a PIN system. However, the initial registration requires waiting 5 to 7 days for a PIN to arrive in the mail.

Don't Forget the State Taxes

Your federal and state income taxes are paid to completely separate agencies. After paying the IRS, you must go to your state's Department of Revenue website (e.g. California FTB, New York DTF) and make a separate estimated tax payment there.