Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments (Form 1040-ES)

[Anovice]

A local tax preparer does my federal tax return. I have been paying my quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS by sending a check. The most recent was September 16th and I see that the check has cleared. However, I do not trust the USPS and feel that sending the IRS a check in the mail four times a year is pushing my luck. In 2025, I would like to pay my quarterly estimated tax payments electronically from my Wells Fargo checking account. It appears that this is the proper link.

https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay

And then click on "Make a Payment".

This seems pretty simple. Is there anything more to it? Are there any pitfalls?

Thank you!

[jebmke]

Direct Pay is quite good as is EFTPS. EFTPS requires setting up an account in advance but you can then make the link to your bank once and they will retain it. I have been using EFTPS for decades and they have never missed a debit date. Those using Direct Pay have reported similar results on theforum.

One can also use these systems to pay an amount due on an extension to file or amount due on a return.

[livesoft]

This seems pretty simple. Is there anything more to it? Are there any pitfalls?

That's what we use. No pitfalls over a few years now. I just use my bank account transaction history to see past payments.

[scrabbler1]

I began using the IRS Direct Pay feature back in 2017. A year or so later, I set up an account with the IRS so I used that to make estimated tax payments (and, sometimes, to make my April payment). I lost access to that account last year when the IRS changed its login method, so I am back to using Direct Pay. Not a big deal.

I used my state's electronic payment system back in 2015, after setting up an account. The account remains accessible and is active to use it for estimated taxes. The annual tax form itself allows for electronic payments.

[LookinAround]

I also prefer EFTPS over Direct Pay. EFTPS provides a better history (up to the last 15 months of payments). It also allows you to schedule multiple payments. After logging in, you could schedule all 4 of your upcoming quarterly payments for the coming year if you want.

[jebmke]

I also prefer EFTPS over Direct Pay. EFTPS provides a better history (up to the last 15 months of payments). It also allows you to schedule multiple payments. After logging in, you could schedule all 4 of your upcoming quarterly payments for the coming year if you want.

This is what I do. In the second week of April I schedule all 4 payments plus the payment due on my tax return (normally, i issue it as an extension and then file in May or June. Used to wait and file in October but during pandemic decided that wasn't a great idea at the time.

[joebruin77]

Every time you make an estimated tax payment using the IRS direct pay website, you get an email confirming your payment. And for good measure, I print out a copy of the confirmation and record the confirmation number in my records. In several years of using Direct Pay, I have never had a problem. But if there ever was a problem, I have plenty of written proof that my estimated tax payments were made.

Another bonus of using Direct Pay instead of mailing a paper check is that they offer the option of paying your estimated tax payment using a credit card. There is an additional fee of about 1.8% to do this. But I like it because I have a credit card that gives me airline miles and my extra miles are worth more than 1.8% .

[chassis]

A local tax preparer does my federal tax return. I have been paying my quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS by sending a check. The most recent was September 16th and I see that the check has cleared. However, I do not trust the USPS and feel that sending the IRS a check in the mail four times a year is pushing my luck. In 2025, I would like to pay my quarterly estimated tax payments electronically from my Wells Fargo checking account. It appears that this is the proper link.

https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay

And then click on "Make a Payment".

This seems pretty simple. Is there anything more to it? Are there any pitfalls?

Thank you!

Nothing more to it. No pitfalls.

[Anovice]

I also prefer EFTPS over Direct Pay. EFTPS provides a better history (up to the last 15 months of payments). It also allows you to schedule multiple payments. After logging in, you could schedule all 4 of your upcoming quarterly payments for the coming year if you want.

I would like to thank all for your posts.

Why are there two electronic methods to pay quarterly estimated taxes, EFTPS and Direct Pay?

Thank you.

[hmw]

I pay my ES quarterly tax by cc. The fee is about 1.8%. I use my BofA premium rewards cc which gives back 2.625%. Never had any problems. I usually check to make sure that IRS received the payment on IRs website.

[tibbitts]

I also prefer EFTPS over Direct Pay. EFTPS provides a better history (up to the last 15 months of payments). It also allows you to schedule multiple payments. After logging in, you could schedule all 4 of your upcoming quarterly payments for the coming year if you want.

I would like to thank all for your posts.

Why are there two electronic methods to pay quarterly estimated taxes, EFTPS and Direct Pay?

Thank you.

The different features are described here: https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay-help

[tibbitts]

Every time you make an estimated tax payment using the IRS direct pay website, you get an email confirming your payment. And for good measure, I print out a copy of the confirmation and record the confirmation number in my records. In several years of using Direct Pay, I have never had a problem. But if there ever was a problem, I have plenty of written proof that my estimated tax payments were made.

Another bonus of using Direct Pay instead of mailing a paper check is that they offer the option of paying your estimated tax payment using a credit card. There is an additional fee of about 1.8% to do this. But I like it because I have a credit card that gives me airline miles and my extra miles are worth more than 1.8% .

It's important to note that the IRS uses authorized third-party commercial credit card processors. So you are introducing another party into the payment process. While many people pay successfully using these payment processors, there are also some reports of issues that can be difficult to resolve.

[Train2bogle]

I pay my ES quarterly tax by cc. The fee is about 1.8%. I use my BofA premium rewards cc which gives back 2.625%. Never had any problems. I usually check to make sure that IRS received the payment on IRs website.

This. Alternatively, this year I went for a high sign up bonus (for high spend) credit card. $30k spend in 3 months gets about $2000, plus 2% back (minus annual fee). $30k may be achievable if you are paying like $10k+ per quarter in estimated tax. I had to get the card right before Q3 due date and will have to pay Q4 a little early to get the bonus, but it’s well worth it.

[Woodshark]

I've been paying by mail for over 8 years without a problem. Hope this doesn't jinx it!