Estimate only, not tax advice. Check IRS.gov or a tax professional before you pay.
The IRS encourages paying online instead of mailing a check with a 1040-ES voucher. Here are the official options, all listed on Form 1040-ES and IRS.gov/Payments.
Direct Pay moves money straight from your checking or savings account at no cost, and you don't have to register. On IRS.gov/Payments, choose Direct Pay. For the reason, pick Estimated Tax, apply it to 1040-ES, and choose tax year 2026. Then verify your identity with details from a past return and enter your bank account. Save the confirmation number. The IRS says you can change or cancel a scheduled Direct Pay payment up to 2 days before it's due to go out.
At IRS.gov/Account you can make estimated payments and also see every payment you've made, which helps when you file.
The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System lets you schedule payments online or by phone from your bank account. You have to enroll first.
Card payments go through IRS-approved processors, which charge a fee. The IRS doesn't receive that fee.
If you mail a check, use the 1040-ES voucher for that due date, make it payable to "United States Treasury," and write "2026 Form 1040-ES" and your SSN on it.
You can also pay more often than four times a year (monthly, for example), as long as enough is paid by each due date.
Estimate only, not tax advice. Figures are for tax year 2026 from IRS sources (Form 1040-ES, Rev. Proc. 2025-32 and the pages listed under Sources) and the SSA. Confirm with IRS.gov or a tax professional.
Sources: IRS Form 1040-ES (2026) · IRS Direct Pay · IRS.gov/Payments
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