How to Pay Taxes With Your Credit Card

Although every American hopes for a tax refund each year, this is not always possible. In fact, sometimes an individual has to make a hefty payment to the government at tax time. The most convenient way for some people to pay this amount is with a credit card.

Although the government accepts personal checks for tax payments, some Americans would rather pay with a credit card. This is especially helpful when the amount is large, so that the credit card can be payed off in installments. Follow these instructions to make a credit card payment.

1. If submitting your tax documents through e-file, simply put your credit card information in the appropriate boxes on the tax form. About a week after submission, your credit card should reflect the payment made. You will have a charge that will read "United States Treasury Tax Payment."


2. If you are submitting your tax documents by mail, then you will need to indicate on your forms that you will be paying your taxes by phone.


3. On the IRS website, you will find several companies that will help you pay your taxes by credit card. There companies contract with the IRS and they will accept your payment on behalf of the government. Be aware that these companies will charge you a convenience fee of anywhere from two to three percent on top of your tax payment. This will show up as "Tax Payment Convenience Fee" on your statement.


4. Understand that the IRS will not have your credit card information if you pay your taxes over the phone.