To pay your taxes, follow these general steps:
- Determine if you need to file a tax return: You must file if your income exceeds certain thresholds based on your filing status and age. For example, for 2025, a single person under 65 must file if they earn $15,000 or more
- Prepare your tax return: Gather all necessary forms and documents showing your income and deductible expenses. You can file electronically using tax software or manually by mailing paper forms
- Calculate your tax liability: Your tax rate depends on your taxable income and filing status, with rates ranging from 10% to 39.6% for 2024-2025
- Pay your tax bill: If you owe taxes after filing, you can pay the IRS in several ways:
- Online payments: Use the IRS website or your IRS Online Account to pay electronically via direct debit, credit/debit card, or electronic funds withdrawal
* **Same-day wire transfer:** You can do a same-day wire transfer from your bank, but it may cost about $25 and requires filling out an IRS worksheet
* **Check, money order, or cashier’s check:** Mail a payment made out to the U.S. Treasury with your identifying information and tax details. Money orders and cashier’s checks are trackable and safer than regular checks
* **Payment plans:** If you cannot pay in full, you can arrange installment payments with the IRS
- Meet deadlines: Typically, tax payments are due by January 31 for the previous tax year, with possible additional payments by July 31 if applicable
For detailed payment options and instructions, visit the IRS payments page or your local tax authority’s website
. In summary, you file your tax return if required, calculate what you owe, then pay via online methods, wire transfer, or mail a check or money order, ensuring you pay by the deadline to avoid penalties
