Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)

The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) is a U.S. Department of the Treasury service that lets individuals and businesses make federal tax payments online or by phone, 24 hours a day. It streamlines payment scheduling and recordkeeping and is commonly used for estimated tax payments and other IRS obligations.

Key takeaways

• EFTPS lets taxpayers pay federal taxes online or by phone, any time.
• Enrollment is required before making payments; the process includes identity and bank-account verification and issuance of a mailed PIN.
• Payments can be scheduled in advance and modified before processing.
• EFTPS uses multi-factor authentication and secure servers, but users should remain vigilant against phishing scams and only use the official EFTPS site.

How EFTPS works

• Enrollment: Register online. The system mails a confirmation that verifies the bank account and includes a unique personal identification number (PIN). Enrollment can take several days, so register well before any payment due date.
• Authentication: To access accounts and authorize payments you must enter your taxpayer identification number (SSN/EIN), the mailed PIN, and your password.
• Scheduling payments: You can schedule payments in advance and change or cancel them prior to processing. This is useful for estimated tax payments and recurring obligations.
• Backup plan: If EFTPS is temporarily unavailable, you are still responsible for making timely tax payments by mail or in person.

Security and privacy

• Technical protections: EFTPS operates on secure servers with internal security measures and firewalls; only scheduled or authorized payments are processed.
• Authentication: The system requires your taxpayer ID, PIN, and password to access and make payments.
• Phishing risk: The primary external threat is phishing—fraudulent emails that urge you to click links or provide information. Such scams can install malware or capture credentials.
• Never click links in unsolicited emails claiming to be from EFTPS or the IRS.
• Access the service only by typing the official EFTPS URL into your browser or using official IRS guidance.
• If you receive a suspicious message, contact EFTPS/IRS through official channels and do not provide personal or banking information.

Practical tips

• Enroll early to avoid missing payment deadlines.
• Keep records of scheduled payments and confirmations.
• Ensure sufficient funds are in the debiting account on the payment date to avoid returned-payment penalties.
• Use the official EFTPS website for support and current contact information.

EFTPS is a secure, convenient option for paying federal taxes electronically when used properly and with attention to authentication and phishing risks.