A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Estimated Tax Payment

Jeremy Knight • September 28, 2026

Paying your estimated taxes should feel straightforward and secure. Once you know exactly how much you owe, the final step involves navigating the IRS payment portals. Sending money to the government can cause unnecessary stress, but we are here to walk you through the exact mechanics. 


At Hub City Tax Pros, we make tax preparation simple, accurate, and stress-free for Lubbock individuals and families. With experienced local professionals, transparent pricing, and convenient walk-in service, we help W-2 and 1099 filers complete their taxes with confidence and understand every step along the way.


Gather Your Information First 

Before opening any payment portal, collect your necessary documents. Having everything on hand prevents timeouts and frustration. You will need: 


  • Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN). 
  • A copy of a previous tax return (from the last five years) to verify your identity. 
  • Your exact payment amount. 
  • Your bank routing and account numbers, or your preferred credit card. 


Once you have your documents ready, choose one of the three main pathways below. 

Pathway 1: IRS Direct Pay 

IRS Direct Pay is a free, secure system that pulls funds directly from your checking or savings account. This is often the fastest method for individual taxpayers. 


Web Address: irs.gov/directpay

 

  1. Go to the website and click the "Make a Payment" button. 
  2. Under "Reason for Payment," select Estimated Tax from the dropdown menu. 
  3. Under "Apply Payment To," choose the 1040-ES form. 
  4. Select the current tax year. 
  5. Verify your identity using information from a previous tax return. The system will ask for your filing status and address exactly as they appeared on that specific return. 
  6. Enter your payment amount and your banking details. 
  7. Review your information, type your name as an electronic signature, and submit. 


Pathway 2: Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) 

EFTPS works beautifully for business owners who frequently pay federal taxes. It allows you to schedule payments up to 365 days in advance. 


Web Address: eftps.gov 


  1. Note that EFTPS requires prior enrollment. If you are a new user, you must register online and wait for a PIN to arrive by mail, which takes about five to seven days. 
  2. Log in using your EIN or SSN, your mailed PIN, and your secure internet password. 
  3. Click "Make a Payment" from the main menu. 
  4. Select the appropriate tax category (business or individual) and choose the 1040-ES option. 
  5. Select the current tax period. 
  6. Enter your exact payment amount and the date you want the funds withdrawn from your linked bank account. 
  7. Confirm your details and submit the payment. 

Pathway 3: Debit or Credit Card 

If you prefer using a card, the IRS uses authorized third-party processors to handle the transaction. 


Web Address: irs.gov/payments/pay-your-taxes-by-debit-or-credit-card 


  1. Visit the IRS card payment page to review the approved processors. 
  2. Compare the processing fees. Each vendor charges a percentage-based fee for credit cards or a flat rate for debit cards. 
  3. Click through to your chosen vendor's secure website. 
  4. Select Estimated Taxes as your payment type and link it to the 1040-ES form for the current tax year. 
  5. Input your personal details, payment amount, and card information. 
  6. Finalize the transaction. 

Verify and Save Your Confirmation 

After submitting any payment, immediately print the confirmation page or save it as a PDF. Write down the specific confirmation number for your records. Within a few days, check your bank or credit card statement to verify the exact amount cleared your account successfully. Keeping detailed records protects you if the IRS ever questions a payment date.

Secure Your Financial Future 

Taxes don’t have to feel complicated. At Hub City Tax Pros, we provide straightforward, reliable tax preparation for Lubbock W-2 and 1099 filers. Our team focuses on accuracy, clear communication, and personal service so you can file with confidence and move forward without unnecessary stress.