What Is EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System)?

The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) is a free service provided by the U.S. Department of the Treasury that allows individuals, businesses, and tax professionals to pay federal taxes online securely. Launched in 1995, EFTPS modernized tax payments by replacing paper-based systems with a digital platform that enables 24/7 access, future payment scheduling, and detailed transaction history.

EFTPS can be used to pay various types of federal taxes, including:

• Income taxes (Form 1040 series)
• Payroll taxes (Forms 941, 940)
• Estimated taxes
• Corporate taxes (Form 1120)
• Excise taxes (Form 720)

It’s widely used by employers, corporations, self-employed individuals, and tax preparers to stay compliant and on time with federal tax obligations.

How EFTPS Works

EFTPS allows users to pay taxes electronically by transferring funds from their bank account to the U.S. Treasury via two primary methods:

• ACH Debit (EFTPS Direct): EFTPS pulls the payment from your bank account on a scheduled date. This is the most common method used by individuals and small businesses.
• ACH Credit: You instruct your financial institution to send funds to the Treasury. This method is often used by larger businesses or payroll providers.

Other key features include:

• Payment scheduling: Up to 365 days in advance
• 24/7 access: Make payments anytime, from any device
• Payment history: View and download up to 15 months of payment activity
• Immediate confirmation: Email and on-screen receipt at the time of payment

Security is enhanced through multifactor authentication and encrypted sessions to ensure your data is protected.

EFTPS Enrollment Process

To use EFTPS, you must first enroll, either as an individual or a business. Enrollment is free and can be done online.

How to enroll:

1. Visit eftps.gov
2. Click on “Enroll” and select the appropriate option (individual, business, or payroll provider)
3. Provide required information:
   • Taxpayer Identification Number (SSN or EIN)
   • Bank account and routing number
   • Name and contact info

After enrollment:

• You’ll receive a Personal Identification Number (PIN) by mail (in 5–7 business days)
• Your enrollment must be activated using the PIN before you can log in and schedule payments

Pro Tip: Businesses using a payroll company should still enroll to manage payments not handled by the third party.

How to Log in to EFTPS

Accessing EFTPS requires secure login credentials and multifactor authentication (MFA), in compliance with Executive Order 14028 on federal cybersecurity.

Login steps:

1. Go to eftps.gov
2. Click “Login” and choose your authentication method:
   • Login.gov
   • ID.me
   • PIV/CAC card (for federal employees)
3. After successful authentication, enter your:
   • EIN or SSN
   • PIN
   • Internet Password (set during activation)

If you experience login issues:

• Visit Login.gov or ID.me support pages
• Call EFTPS customer service at 1-800-555-4477

Once logged in, you can:

• View payment history
• Schedule new payments
• Cancel or modify upcoming transactions

MFA ensures your financial data is protected from unauthorized access, meeting modern federal cybersecurity standards.

How to Make a Tax Payment Using EFTPS

Making a payment with EFTPS is straightforward once you’re enrolled and have your credentials. The system allows you to submit payments for a wide range of federal taxes and to schedule them well in advance.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Log in to EFTPS.gov using your credentials and multifactor authentication.
2. Navigate to “Make a Payment.”
3. Choose the tax form you are paying for (e.g., Form 1040, 941, 1120).
4. Select the tax type (income, payroll, estimated, etc.).
5. Enter the payment amount and settlement date.
6. Review all entries and confirm the transaction.
7. Receive an on-screen confirmation number and optionally a payment receipt via email.

Scheduling payments:
You can schedule a payment up to 365 days in advance, which helps with budgeting and meeting tax deadlines. Payments must be scheduled by 8:00 PM ET the day before the due date to be considered timely.

EFTPS for Tax Professionals

EFTPS offers specialized tools and features for accountants, payroll companies, and tax preparers who manage payments on behalf of multiple clients.

Key features:

• Batch Provider Software (BPS): Enables bulk uploading and processing of multiple client payments from a single login.
• Client management: Store and switch between multiple EINs/SSNs under one user profile.
• History and reporting: Access and export up to 15 months of payment history for each client.

Getting started:
Tax professionals can download the Batch Provider Software from EFTPS.gov and follow IRS Publication 5301 for instructions. A single registration and PIN can manage payments across various clients.

Support:
For help with batch filing or software, call EFTPS Customer Service or reference Publication 3381 (User Manual).

EFTPS Voice Response and Offline Options

If you can’t access the website or prefer not to use a browser, EFTPS offers alternative payment channels.

Voice response system:

• Call 1-800-555-3453 (available 24/7)
• Use the keypad to:
  • Authenticate with your SSN/EIN, PIN, and password
  • Select payment type
  • Enter amount and payment date
  • Receive confirmation code verbally

When to use it:

• If you’re traveling without computer access
• If EFTPS.gov is undergoing maintenance
• If your browser has compatibility issues

Additional options:

• ACH Credit Method via your bank
• Payroll provider payments
• Same-day wire payments (fees may apply)

Benefits of Using EFTPS

EFTPS is trusted by millions of individuals and businesses because of its reliability, flexibility, and built-in protections.

• Accuracy: EFTPS verifies each entry, reducing errors compared to manual check-writing.
• Convenience: Pay taxes from anywhere, anytime, 365 days a year.
• Security: Strong encryption and multifactor authentication protect your account. Login.gov and ID.me integrations comply with federal cybersecurity mandates.

Additional features:

• Email notifications
• Access to detailed payment history
• Easy cancellation and rescheduling of payments

Avoiding penalties and late payments

• EFTPS ensures on-time tax payments by allowing scheduling in advance.
• The system provides real-time confirmation and history tracking—proof you submitted your payment on time.
• You reduce the chance of:
  • Missed deadlines
  • Misapplied checks
  • Manual entry errors

Whether you’re a business owner, tax pro, or individual filer, EFTPS helps you avoid penalties, interest charges, and administrative delays.