How to Pay Federal and Pennsylvania Estimated Taxes Online: A Step-by-Step Guide 

Both the IRS and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue have been taking steps to move taxpayers toward electronic payment methods and, in some cases, requiring them. If you make estimated payments or owe a balance due, understanding your online payment options can save you time and help you avoid penalties for late or non-electronic payments. 

This guide walks through the electronic payment options available for federal estimated taxes and balances due, as well as Pennsylvania estimated taxes and balances due, so you know exactly what to expect before you pay. 

Why This Matters More Than It Used To 

Pennsylvania now requires electronic payment for personal income tax payments of $15,000 or more. Payments of that size made by check or money order are subject to a penalty equal to 3 percent of the payment, up to a maximum of $500. The IRS has not implemented an outright electronic mandate for individuals in the same way, but it continues to expand and promote its electronic options and paper check volume has been declining for years as a matter of IRS policy direction. 

Electronic payments also give you instant confirmation that your payment was received, along with a record you can reference if a payment is ever questioned. 

Paying Federal Estimated Taxes and Balances Due 

The IRS offers a few free electronic options. Here are the two most commonly used. 

Option 1: IRS Direct Pay 

Direct Pay is free and does not require you to create an account ahead of time. 

1. Go to irs.gov/payments/direct-pay. 

2. Select Personal Tax Payments or Business Tax Payments. 

3. Click Make a Payment. 

4. Select your reason for payment. For a quarterly estimate, choose Estimated Tax. For a balance owed with a filed return, choose Tax Return or Notice. 

5. Select the tax form (Form 1040 for most individuals) and the tax year the payment applies to. 

6. Verify your identity using information from a prior year return, such as your filing status and address. 

7. Enter the payment amount and the date you want the payment withdrawn. Direct Pay allows you to schedule a payment up to 30 days in advance. 

8. Enter your bank routing and account number. 

9. Review the details and submit. Save or print the confirmation number and opt in for an email confirmation if you would like one. 

Option 2: EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System) 

EFTPS is geared toward businesses and taxpayers who want to schedule payments far in advance, but individuals can use it too. 

1. Enroll at eftps.gov. Enrollment requires a PIN that arrives by mail, which typically takes five to seven business days, so this option needs to be set up ahead of a due date. 

2. Once enrolled, log in to your EFTPS account. 

3. Select the tax form and payment type, such as estimated tax. 

4. Enter the payment amount and the date you want it processed. EFTPS allows scheduling up to 365 days in advance. 

5. Submit and retain the confirmation number. 

You can also view scheduled and prior payments through your IRS Online Account at irs.gov/account, which is a useful way to confirm a payment went through or to review your full payment history. 

Paying Pennsylvania Estimated Taxes and Balances Due 

Pennsylvania processes online payments through myPATH, the Department of Revenue’s online portal. 

1. Go to mypath.pa.gov. 

2. On the homepage, find the Payments panel and click Make a Payment. Individuals can do this without logging in or creating an account. 

3. Choose the account type (individual), the payment type (estimated payment, extension payment, return payment, or bill payment), and the applicable tax year. 

4. Enter identifying information, including Social Security number, name, and address. 

5. Enter the payment amount and choose your payment method: ACH withdrawal using your bank routing and account number, or a credit or debit card. 

6. Enter an email address to receive a confirmation receipt. 

7. Review the payment details and submit. Keep the confirmation for your records. 

If you would rather pay by phone, Pennsylvania accepts payments through ACI Payments, Inc. at 1-800-2PAYTAX (1-800-272-9829). You will need Pennsylvania’s jurisdiction code, 4800, when prompted. Note that ACI charges a convenience fee: 2.85 percent for credit card transactions and 1.85 percent for debit card transactions. 

A Few Things to Keep in Mind 

• Save every confirmation number. For both the IRS and Pennsylvania, this is your proof of payment if a question comes up later. 

• Know your due dates. Estimated payments are generally due April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year for calendar year taxpayers. 

• Watch the Pennsylvania $15,000 threshold. If a single payment meets or exceeds that amount, it must be made electronically to avoid a penalty. 

• Give yourself a buffer. IRS Direct Pay allows scheduling only up to 30 days out, so do not wait until the last minute if you want to lock in a payment date in advance. 

If you have questions about how much you should be paying, or you would rather have our team handle the calculation and payment scheduling for you, reach out to Brown Plus. We are happy to help you stay ahead of both federal and state estimated tax requirements. 

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