Background

Many taxpayers don’t use traditional bank accounts but still must pay federal taxes on time. The IRS recognizes that and offers several non-bank payment paths. In practice, card and cash-based methods are the fastest, while money orders or cashier’s checks mailed with the correct voucher are reliable if you prefer paper documentation (IRS; see links below).

How the main options work

  • Pay by credit or debit card

  • Use an IRS-approved third‑party processor to pay online or by phone. Convenience fees apply and are charged by the processor, not the IRS; fees vary by provider and amount (see IRS: Pay by card). Keep the confirmation number and the processor receipt.

  • Pay with a prepaid debit card

  • Load funds onto a prepaid card (available at many retailers) and use the card like a debit card through approved processors. Watch for loading fees, monthly fees, and card balance limits.

  • Pay in cash at participating retail partners

  • The IRS supports cash payments at selected stores through a service that generates a payment barcode you take to the store (often through PayNearMe or similar partners). You’ll receive a store receipt — keep it as proof (IRS: Pay with cash at a retail partner).

  • Pay by money order, cashier’s check, or certified check

  • Purchase a money order with cash and mail it to the IRS with the appropriate payment voucher (for example, Form 1040‑V for individual tax payments). Write your name, address, SSN/ITIN, tax year, and form number on the money order. Use the IRS mailing address specific to the payment type. This option avoids card fees but takes longer to process.

  • Apply for an alternative payment plan (if you can’t pay in full)

  • If you can’t pay your tax bill, you can request an installment agreement from the IRS. Some plans require bank information for direct debit, but you can sometimes set up a monthly plan that allows payments by mailed money orders, in‑person cash, or payments through approved processors. Applying promptly reduces additional penalties and interest (IRS: Payment plans).

Step‑by‑step checklist (practical actions)

  1. Confirm the exact amount you owe and the tax period. Use IRS online tools or your tax return.
  2. Choose a payment method based on speed, fees, and proof required: card (fast, fee), cash at retail (fast, usually lower/no fee), or money order (no electronic fee, slower).
  3. If paying by card or prepaid card, use the IRS payment page to find approved processors and complete the transaction; save confirmation and receipts.
  4. If paying with cash at a retail partner, generate the payment barcode at IRS.gov/payments, take it to the store, make the payment, and keep the store receipt.
  5. If mailing a money order/cashier’s check, include the correct payment voucher (for example, Form 1040‑V), and mail to the IRS address for payments; send by trackable mail and keep a copy.
  6. If you can’t pay in full, apply for a payment plan immediately to limit penalties and interest.

Recordkeeping and proof

  • Always keep the confirmation number and electronic receipts from processors, the store receipt for cash payments, or the tracking number for mailed money orders. These documents are your primary evidence if the IRS does not immediately reflect the payment.
  • If a payment is misapplied or not posted, use IRS account tools and the receipts to trace and correct it. See our guide on how to locate and reapply misapplied tax payments for steps to follow (internal: How to Locate and Reapply Misapplied Tax Payments).

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

  • Forgetting to include identifying information on money orders: write your SSN/ITIN, tax year, and form number on the money order to ensure correct application.
  • Relying only on verbal confirmation: get a written or electronic confirmation number every time.
  • Ignoring fees: card processors charge convenience fees — factor these into your decision.
  • Missing deadlines while arranging a method: if a payment will be late, file or communicate with the IRS and consider an installment agreement to reduce penalties. For details on how partial payments affect penalties, consult our explainer on how the IRS applies partial payments and the impact on penalties (internal: How the IRS Applies Partial Payments and the Impact on Penalties).

When to contact a professional

If a large payment is missing, misapplied, or you need help negotiating a payment plan, a tax professional or low‑income taxpayer clinic can help. In my practice I’ve seen quick resolution when taxpayers provided receipts and tracked payments aggressively.

Authoritative sources

Professional disclaimer

This article is educational and not a substitute for personalized tax advice. For individual tax issues, contact a qualified tax professional or the IRS directly.

Internal links