IRS and Illinois Online Payments
The IRS is transitioning to electronic-only payments. Paper refund checks are being phased out, and electronic payment requirements for taxpayers are expected by 2027. We strongly recommend setting up your electronic payment methods now.
[1] IRS – One-time Payment (Direct Pay)
Best for: Quick, one-time payments without creating a login.
- Go to: www.irs.gov/directpay
- Click "Make a Payment".
- Reason for Payment: Select "Estimated Tax" (for current year pre-payments) or "Balance Due" (for the return you just filed).
- Apply Payment to: 1040ES (Estimated) or 1040 (Balance Due).
- Tax Period: Select the current year for Estimated or the previous year for Balance Due.
- Identity Verification: Enter your name and address exactly as they appeared on a prior year return. (The IRS uses this information to verify your identity.)
- Enter banking information and save your confirmation number.
[2] IRS – Setup an Account (ID.me)
Best for: Viewing your full payment history, transcripts, and managing payment plans.
- Go to: www.irs.gov/account
- Click "Sign in to your Online Account" and select "Create a new account" via ID.me.
- Requirement: You will need a smartphone and a photo ID (Driver's License or Passport) ready. You will be asked to take a "video selfie" to verify your identity.
- Once verified, you can see all past payments and schedule future ones directly from your dashboard.
[3] Illinois – One-time Payment (MyTax Illinois)
- Go to: www.mytax.illinois.gov
- Click "Make an IL-1040, IL-1040-ES, or IL-505-I payment".
- Look up your IL-PIN: You will need your SSN and Driver's License number to find your PIN.
- Select "IL-1040 Estimated Payment" (current year) or "IL-1040 Payment" (balance due).
- Enter banking information and save your confirmation.
[4] Illinois – Setup an Account
- Go to: www.mytax.illinois.gov
- Click "Request a Letter ID" under the Individuals box.
- Note: Illinois will mail a physical letter to your home with a "Letter ID." This takes 7–10 days. You cannot finish setting up your account until this letter arrives.
- Once you have the Letter ID, return to the site to "Sign Up" and create your login.