How to Pay Your Taxes Electronically: A Simple Guide for MACKEY Clients

As of October 1, 2025 all payments to and from the IRS must now be made electronically. Whether you owe a balance or make estimated payments throughout the year, paper checks are no longer the way to go.

The good news? It’s simpler than it sounds. Below are two easy options — pick whichever works best for you.

OPTION 1: CREATE A FREE IRS ONLINE ACCOUNT (RECOMMENDED)

We recommend setting up a free IRS online account. It only takes about 10–15 minutes, and it gives you a central place to manage everything tax-related year-round.

Why it’s worth it:

• View your tax records, transcripts, and payment history at any time

• See any balance due and pay directly from your bank account

• Access and download prior-year tax documents

• Monitor IRS notices and correspondence

• Manage estimated tax payments (no more having to worry about payment vouchers)

• Get instant confirmation when a payment is made

What you’ll need before you start:

• A photo ID — driver’s license, state ID, or passport

• A valid email address

• Your Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN

• A smartphone or webcam (ID.me will take a quick selfie to verify your identity)

Get started and create your account here. We recommend completing the signup on a computer or tablet.

OPTION 2: MAKE A ONE-TIME PAYMENT WITHOUT AN ACCOUNT

Prefer not to create an account? No problem. The IRS Direct Pay tool lets you make a secure payment straight from your bank account — no login required.

Step-by-step:

• Click here then select “Make a payment.”

• On the first screen, select:

  • Choose Reason for Payment: most will be “Balance Due” or “Estimated Tax”

  • Apply Payment To: “Income – Form 1040” (balance due) or “Form 1040-ES” (estimated)

  • Tax Period: “2025” for a balance due, “2026” for estimated payments

• On the next screens you will need to enter:

  • The primary taxpayer’s personal information (name, SSN, address)

  • Bank account and routing numbers

  • Payment amount and date

The system walks you through every step. If you get stuck at any point, just give us a call — we’re happy to walk you through it.