How to Pay Your Estimated Taxes Online: Step-by-Step Guide for the IRS and Oregon
- shaybachelder
- Oct 17
- 3 min read
Paying your estimated taxes doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful. Whether you’re self-employed, have freelance income, or expect to owe additional taxes this year, both the IRS and the Oregon Department of Revenue (DOR) make it easy to pay online. Here’s a simple walkthrough of how to get it done quickly and securely.
🧾 What Are Estimated Taxes?
Estimated taxes are periodic payments you make to cover income that isn’t subject to automatic withholding — like freelance work, investment earnings, rental income, or side gigs.The IRS and Oregon both expect these payments four times a year (usually in April, June, September, and January).
💻 How to Pay Estimated Taxes to the IRS Online
The IRS offers a few safe and convenient options to pay your federal estimated taxes online.
Option 1: IRS Direct Pay (Most Common and Free)
Go to irs.gov/payments/direct-pay.
Click Pay Individual Tax and then click Make a Payment.
Under Reason for Payment, choose Estimated Tax (Form 1040-ES).
Select the Tax Period (for example, 2025).
Enter your information — you’ll need to verify your identity using a prior tax return.
Choose Bank Account (Checking or Savings) to pay directly without fees.
Confirm and submit your payment.
You’ll receive an email confirmation or you can print the receipt.
✅ Tip: Direct Pay does not require creating an IRS account, but you can use one if you prefer tracking your history.
Option 2: Pay Using the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)
Visit eftps.gov.
Enroll if you haven’t already — it can take about a week to receive your PIN by mail.
Once logged in, choose Make a Payment → Estimated Taxes (1040ES).
Enter your payment amount and date, and confirm.
✅ Best for: Regular business owners or anyone who prefers a full payment history and scheduling payments in advance.
Option 3: Pay by Card or Digital Wallet
Visit irs.gov/payments.
Select one of the approved payment processors.
Pay via credit/debit card, PayPal, or other digital options.
⚠️ Note: Payment processors charge a small convenience fee.
🌲 How to Pay Oregon Estimated Taxes Online
The Oregon Department of Revenue also provides simple online options.
Option 1: Oregon Revenue Online (Recommended)
Go to revenueonline.dor.oregon.gov.
Click Make a Payment (you can pay without logging in).
Select Personal Income Tax → Estimated Payment.
Enter your information and Social Security number.
Choose Bank Account (ACH) for a free payment.
Review and confirm your payment details.
✅ Tip: If you create a Revenue Online account, you can track all your Oregon payments and returns in one place.
Option 2: Pay by Credit or Debit Card
From the same Oregon Revenue Online site, select the option to Pay by Card.
You’ll be directed to an authorized processor.
Card payments include a small service fee (usually around 2%).
📅 Due Dates for Estimated Payments (Typical Schedule)
If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, payments are due the next business day.
💡 Pro Tips
Set calendar reminders for each quarterly deadline.
Save your confirmation emails or receipts — they’ll make filing time easier.
Use tax software or a spreadsheet to estimate your payments accurately.
Even if you overpay slightly, you’ll receive a refund when you file your return.
Final Thoughts
Paying your estimated taxes online saves time, prevents penalties, and ensures your accounts are up to date. With the IRS Direct Pay and Oregon Revenue Online tools, you can make secure payments in minutes — no paper forms or stamps required.
If you would like help calculating what you should be paying in estimated taxes, feel free to book an advisory session with us here:
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