The U.S. Treasury Department and IRS have issued final regulations (T.D. 10060) allowing taxpayers to pay federal taxes directly to the IRS using credit or debit cards, without going through third-party payment processors.

Key Highlights:

• Direct Payments: The IRS may accept credit and debit card payments directly, simplifying the tax payment process.
• Processing Fees: The IRS may pay card processing fees but must recover the full amount from taxpayers through a reimbursement fee collected in addition to the tax payment.
• Effective Date: The final regulations take effect October 19, 2026, and apply to payments made on or after that date.

The new rules provide a framework for a more convenient tax payment process. However, processing fees may still apply, and the regulations do not establish when direct card payment services will become available.