What is EFTPS?

EFTPS is the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, which allows businesses and individuals to make tax payments to the IRS electronically. Using EFTPS, taxpayers can pay their federal taxes via Internet (www.eftps.gov), telephone Voice Response System (VRS), Batch Provider Software (tax professionals), and Bulk Provider (payroll service company) payment input methods, or through their financial institution.

Bank of America is the sole Treasury Financial Agent selected by the U.S. Government to collect federal tax payments on behalf of the IRS.

For many businesses, EFTPS has become the preferred method for making federal tax payments. There are more than 7.2 million taxpayers enrolled in EFTPS today.

It is important to note that EFTPS will accept tax payments for any IRS tax form. However, the IRS will continue to mail to you the appropriate tax return you are required to file.

Why should I enroll?

EFTPS is easy to use, it’s accurate, and it saves taxpayers the inconvenience of last minute trips to the bank with checks and coupons.

Some business taxpayers are required to use EFTPS based upon the level of their federal tax obligation. The IRS mails enrollment forms to companies that are required to participate. (If you think you are required to pay taxes electronically, and have not been notified by the IRS, please call the IRS at 1.800.829.1040.)

However, EFTPS is available as a free service to all taxpayers, both businesses and individuals, regardless of whether they are required to use the system. Over 5.1 million taxpayers have voluntarily enrolled to use EFTPS. In order to use EFTPS, whether you are a required or voluntary user, you must first enroll.

How do I enroll?

To enroll or to find out more about the enrollment process, please visit www.eftps.gov or call EFTPS customer service at 1.800.555.4477. Customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What are the payment options?

EFTPS offers multiple payment options. You decide which of the following options is the best method for your company.

EFTPS Direct (ACH debit) With EFTPS Direct, you authorize EFTPS to debit your account for the taxes you owe. You may initiate your payment using Internet or telephone Voice Response System (VRS) at least one day before the tax due date. The warehousing feature allows you to report your tax payment up to 120 days in advance of your tax due date–EFTPS stores the tax payment report and your bank account is debited on the date you indicate. EFTPS–Through your financial institution (ACH credit) With EFTPS’Through your financial institution, you initiate a payment through your financial institution that is delivered electronically to EFTPS for the taxes you owe. These payments are initiated using a service offered by your financial institution. Check with your financial institution for availability and specific reporting deadlines. Batch providers and bulk providers Tax professionals can submit payments on your behalf using the Batch Provider Software. The Batch Provider Software may be downloaded from www.eftps.gov. A payroll services company can submit payments on your behalf using the Bulk Provider (EDI message). Providers must enroll you in EFTPS prior to submitting payments on your behalf. Same–day pay While EFTPS–Direct and EFTPS–Through your financial institution are the primary payment mechanisms for EFTPS, business taxpayers may use same–day payments to report and pay federal taxes on the due date. Same–day payments may be used as a backup or as a primary payment method.

How secure is EFTPS?

Access to EFTPS by telephone is restricted by the use of a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN). The TIN and PIN are required to make payments through EFTPS, and to check the status of a tax payment, such as by calling customer service. EFTPS Online (Internet) requires an additional layer of security in the form of an Internet password.

How can I find out more?

Call EFTPS customer service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at one of the numbers below, or visit www.eftps.gov:

• English: 1.800.555.4477
• Spanish: 1.800.244.4829
• TDD: 1.800.733.4829

Where can I get EFTPS batch provider software?

Tax professionals may download the EFTPS batch provider software, user’s manual, and quick start guide from www.eftps.gov. The batch provider software allows tax professionals to register through the software, and send up to 1,000 enrollments and 5,000 payments in one transmission.

To download the batch provider software, follow these steps:

1. Go to www.eftps.gov.
2. From the EFTPS homepage, click the “Help & Information” top menu button.
3. From the Introduction page, click the “Downloads” side menu button.
4. From the Downloads–Documents page, select the “Download Batch Provider Software Quick Start Guide” and “Download Batch Provider Software User’s Manual” links.
5. From the Downloads’Documents page, select the “(Downloads) Software” side menu button to access the “Downloads’Software” page.
6. Download the batch provider software.

System requirements

Batch filer software

			Operating systems		Windows®		Macintosh®		Linux™
			Processor		780 MHz Intel® Pentium® III or equivalent		1.0 GHz G4 or equivalent		780 MHz Intel® Pentium® III or equivalent
			Memory		Less than 250 enrollments: 512 MB More than 250 enrollments: 1 GB		512 megabytes		Less than 250 enrollments: 512 MB More than 250 enrollments: 1 GB
			Disk space		125 megabytes of free disk space		125 megabytes of free disk space		125 megabytes of free disk space
			Internet Connection		56k modem (broadband recommended)		56k modem (broadband recommended)		56k modem (broadband recommended)

If you need technical assistance with downloading, installing or using the software, or if you would prefer to receive the batch provider software on CD–ROM through the mail at no charge, please contact EFTPS customer service at 1.800.555.4477. Customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.