How to make online payments for 1040NR owed taxes?
So I'm working in the US on a visa and filing 1040NR for the first time. I read through the instructions for Form 1040NR and they clearly state that I can make online payments through the IRS payment portal. Great, seems straightforward! But when I actually clicked on the link and tried to set up my payment, the system kept giving me weird errors. I tried multiple times with different browsers thinking maybe that was the issue. Then I tried on my phone too, but no luck. The portal seems to recognize my information but then when I go to submit the payment, it just freezes or kicks me back to the previous screen. I owe around $2,850 and the deadline is coming up pretty soon. Has anyone else had this issue with the 1040NR payment portal? I'm getting nervous because I don't want to miss the payment deadline and get hit with penalties. I'm considering just mailing a check but I've heard that can take forever to process and I'd rather have the payment confirmation right away. Any advice on how to successfully make an online payment for 1040NR would be super helpful!
26 comments


Oscar O'Neil
I work with nonresident tax returns regularly, and this is actually a common issue with the 1040NR payments system. The IRS payment portal sometimes has trouble processing payments specifically for nonresident returns. Here's what you can try: Instead of going through the direct link from the 1040NR instructions, go to the main IRS.gov website and navigate to the "Pay Online" section. Then select "Pay Tax Due on Form 1040NR" from the dropdown menu rather than following the specialized link. Many of my clients have had better luck with this route. If that still doesn't work, you have a few backup options. You can use the IRS Direct Pay system which links directly to your bank account, or use the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) - though EFTPS requires registration that takes about a week to process. As a last resort, you can make a same-day wire payment through your bank, though they'll charge a fee for this service.
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Sara Hellquiem
•Thanks for this information. I've been trying for days to make my payment! Quick question - when using the main IRS.gov site method you suggested, do I need my ITIN number? I just applied for one with my return but don't have it yet. Also, will the Direct Pay system work if my bank account is from my home country, not a US account?
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Oscar O'Neil
•For the main IRS.gov payment method, you'll need either an ITIN or SSN to proceed. If you don't have either one yet, that explains why you're having issues. In this specific situation, you'll need to use the payment voucher (Form 1040-V) and mail a check until your ITIN is assigned. Regarding Direct Pay, unfortunately it only works with US bank accounts. If your bank is from your home country, you'll either need to use a credit card payment (which incurs a processing fee) or send a check with the payment voucher. If you have opened a US bank account since arriving, that would work with Direct Pay.
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Charlee Coleman
I had this exact same issue last year and found a solution that worked perfectly! I discovered taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) after getting frustrated with the IRS payment system. They have a special feature for international taxpayers that helps with 1040NR payments. Their system actually walks you through the correct payment process step by step and helps verify that your information is being entered in the exact format the IRS system expects. For nonresident payments, there are some weird formatting requirements that aren't clearly explained on the IRS site. I was able to successfully make my payment with their guidance, and they even provided a confirmation receipt I could keep for my records in case there were any questions later.
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Liv Park
•Does taxr.ai work for people who already filed their 1040NR and just need to make the payment? I already submitted my return through a different service but am having the same payment issues.
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Leeann Blackstein
•I'm curious about this. How exactly does it help with the payment process? Does it just give instructions or does it actually process the payment for you? I'm a bit hesitant to use third-party services for tax payments because I'm worried about security.
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Charlee Coleman
•It works perfectly if you've already filed and just need to make a payment. The payment guidance feature is separate from their filing services, so you can use just that portion. They have a specific section for "payment only" users. They don't actually process the payment themselves - they just guide you through the correct IRS channels. Basically they provide a simplified interface that then directs you to the official IRS payment system with the correct formatting and information ready to go. Your payment information goes directly to the IRS, not through their servers, so it's quite secure. They just help navigate the confusing government interface and ensure you're using the right payment codes for nonresident taxes.
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Leeann Blackstein
I was skeptical about using an online service to help with my tax payments, but after struggling for days with the 1040NR payment system, I decided to try taxr.ai based on the recommendation here. I'm so glad I did! The interface was super straightforward and specifically addressed the unique requirements for nonresident taxpayers. It correctly formatted all my information in the way the IRS system needed. What had been causing errors before was that the system needed my foreign address in a specific format that wasn't clearly explained on the IRS site. I was able to complete my $3,200 payment in about 5 minutes. The confirmation came through immediately, and I could finally stop worrying about missing the deadline. Definitely recommend for anyone dealing with 1040NR payment issues!
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Ryder Greene
After dealing with the same payment problems, I discovered Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) which got me actual help from a real IRS agent. I was shocked when it actually worked! After trying to call the IRS directly for days and getting nowhere, Claimyr got me through to someone who could help within an hour. The IRS agent explained that there's a known issue with the nonresident payment portal that their IT department is working on. She walked me through an alternative payment method that worked immediately. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c For nonresidents specifically, the agent gave me some special instructions about how to code the payment that aren't on the regular website. Super helpful when dealing with something as stressful as tax payments!
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Carmella Fromis
•Wait, how does this actually work? I thought it was impossible to get through to the IRS on the phone. I've been trying for weeks! Do they have some special number or something?
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Theodore Nelson
•This sounds like a scam. Nobody can magically get you through to the IRS faster. The phone lines are what they are. I'm very suspicious of any service claiming they can jump the queue somehow.
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Ryder Greene
•It's not a special number - they use the same IRS contact lines that everyone else does. The difference is they have technology that continuously redials and navigates the phone tree for you until it gets through. Then when a human actually answers, you get a call connecting you directly to that person. It basically automates the frustrating part of trying to call the IRS. I was definitely suspicious at first too. I only tried it because I was desperate after waiting on hold for hours multiple days in a row. But it's legitimate - they don't ask for any tax information or personal details besides your phone number so they can call you when they get through. You're still talking directly to the IRS, they just help you get connected.
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Theodore Nelson
I need to apologize to Profile 15 about my skeptical comment. I was so frustrated with my 1040NR payment issues that I decided to try Claimyr despite my doubts. I'm shocked to report that it actually worked exactly as described. I got a call back in about 45 minutes connecting me to an IRS representative who specifically handled nonresident tax accounts. She immediately recognized the issue I was having with the payment portal and provided a direct workaround. Apparently, there's a specific code you need to use for certain visa types that isn't mentioned anywhere in the standard instructions. The agent stayed on the line while I completed the payment to make sure it went through. I saved myself hours of frustration and potential late fees. I'm still surprised this worked, but I'm definitely grateful!
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AaliyahAli
Has anyone tried paying with a credit card? The IRS website shows they accept payments through third-party processors but charge a fee of around 2%. For my tax bill of $3500, that's about $70 in fees, which seems steep but might be worth avoiding all these technical problems.
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Ellie Simpson
•I tried the credit card route last year. It does work for 1040NR payments, but there's a catch. Some international credit cards get rejected by the payment processors. I had to try three different cards before finding one that worked. Also, depending on your home country, your bank might add their own foreign transaction fee on top of the IRS processor fee, so you could end up paying 4-5% total.
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AaliyahAli
•Thanks for sharing your experience! I didn't think about the foreign transaction fees on top of the processing fees. That could get expensive fast. I might try the direct bank methods first and keep the credit card as a last resort option if the deadline gets too close. Did you have any issues with the payment being properly credited to your tax account when using the credit card? I managed to get through on the regular payment site this morning by trying very early (around 4am US time). Maybe the system has less traffic then.
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Arjun Kurti
Another option nobody mentioned is paying through a service like Wise (formerly Transferwise). I used it for my 1040NR payment last year. You can send USD to the IRS even from a foreign bank account. Just make sure you include all the correct reference information so they can match it to your return.
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Raúl Mora
•Did you have any delays with the payment posting to your account? I'm concerned about the timing since the deadline is coming up. How long did it take for your payment to clear and show up in the IRS system?
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Yara Sayegh
I had the exact same frustrating experience with the 1040NR payment portal last year! After multiple failed attempts, I found a workaround that saved me. Try clearing your browser cache completely and using an incognito/private browsing window. The IRS payment system seems to have issues with stored cookies and session data, especially for nonresident returns. Also, make sure you're entering your foreign address exactly as it appears on your 1040NR - any slight variation can cause the system to reject the payment. If you're still having trouble, you can also try the IRS2Go mobile app. Sometimes the mobile version processes 1040NR payments more smoothly than the desktop site. I successfully made my $2,400 payment through the app after the website kept failing. Don't panic about the deadline - if you can't get the online payment to work, you can always overnight a certified check with Form 1040-V to ensure it arrives on time. The IRS processing center address is different for nonresident returns, so double-check you're using the correct mailing address from the 1040NR instructions.
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Zainab Ibrahim
•This is really helpful advice! I'm in a similar situation and the clearing cache tip actually worked for me. I was getting stuck at the same point as the original poster, but using an incognito window made all the difference. One thing I want to add - when you mentioned entering the foreign address exactly as it appears on the 1040NR, I found that the system is really picky about abbreviations. I had to spell out "Street" instead of "St." and "Apartment" instead of "Apt." to get it to work. Also, has anyone had experience with the timing of when payments post? I made mine yesterday evening and I'm wondering how long it typically takes to show up in the system so I know it went through properly.
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Natasha Kuznetsova
I've been dealing with 1040NR payment issues for weeks and finally got it sorted out! The key thing that worked for me was calling the IRS International Tax line directly at (267) 941-1000. This is a specific number for nonresident taxpayers that most people don't know about. When I explained I was having trouble with online payments for my 1040NR, they were able to process my payment over the phone using my bank account information. The whole call took about 20 minutes and I got immediate confirmation. They also explained that the online portal has known issues with certain visa types and foreign address formats. The agent mentioned that if you're on an H-1B, L-1, or certain other work visas, there are specific payment codes that need to be used that aren't automatically selected by the online system. She was able to apply the correct codes during our phone call. For anyone still struggling with this, I'd definitely recommend trying the international tax line first before going through third-party services. It's free and you're dealing directly with the IRS. Just have your SSN/ITIN, bank routing number, and account number ready when you call.
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Amina Diallo
•This is incredibly helpful information! I had no idea there was a dedicated international tax line. I've been struggling with the same payment portal issues for my 1040NR and getting nowhere with the general IRS phone numbers. Quick question - did you need to have any specific documentation ready besides your SSN and bank info? Also, were there any wait times when you called, or did you get through relatively quickly? I'm on an H-1B visa so this sounds like exactly what I need, especially with the specific payment codes you mentioned. Thanks so much for sharing this - you might have just saved me from a major headache!
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Jayden Reed
I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now! Filed my 1040NR last week and owe about $3,100. The payment portal keeps timing out or giving me error messages when I try to submit. It's so frustrating because the form itself went through fine, but now I can't pay what I owe. I've tried different browsers and devices like you did, but no luck. Reading through these comments, it sounds like there are several workarounds people have had success with. The international tax line that Natasha mentioned sounds promising - I had no idea that existed! I'm also intrigued by the suggestion to try early morning hours when there might be less traffic on the system. Has anyone else noticed if there are better times of day to attempt the online payment? Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here. It's reassuring to know this isn't just me having technical difficulties, but seems to be a known issue with the 1040NR payment system. Going to try calling that international number first thing tomorrow morning.
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Zara Shah
•I had the same exact experience! The timing issue is definitely real - I found that attempting payments between 6-8 AM Eastern time worked much better than during business hours. The system seems less overloaded then. Before calling the international tax line, try one more thing that worked for me: when entering your payment information, use all capital letters for your name and address fields. The IRS system seems to be very particular about formatting for 1040NR filers. Also, if you have any special characters in your address (like accents or hyphens), try removing them completely. The international tax line is great but sometimes has wait times too, especially during tax season. If you do call, I'd recommend calling right when they open to minimize hold time. Good luck with your payment!
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Zainab Omar
I just went through this exact same nightmare last month! The 1040NR payment portal is notoriously glitchy, especially for certain visa types. Here's what finally worked for me after days of frustration: First, try using the EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System) instead of the regular IRS payment portal. You have to register first which takes a few days, but it's specifically designed to handle different tax form types including 1040NR. The interface is much more reliable. If you need to pay immediately, try calling the automated payment line at 1-888-PAY-1040 (1-888-729-1040). You can make payments over the phone using your bank account or credit card. There's usually no wait time since it's automated, and it handles 1040NR payments without the technical issues the online portal has. Also, make sure you're using the correct tax year when making your payment - I made the mistake of selecting the current year instead of the tax year I was filing for, which caused all sorts of errors. Don't stress too much about the deadline - if you can't get any electronic payment to work, you can always mail a check with Form 1040-V. Just make sure to send it certified mail or overnight to have proof of when it was sent. The IRS is pretty understanding about technical difficulties with their payment systems.
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Brooklyn Foley
•This is exactly the kind of comprehensive advice I wish I'd found earlier! I'm currently stuck in the same situation with my 1040NR payment and have been pulling my hair out for the past week. The automated payment line sounds like a perfect solution - I had no idea that existed and it would save me from having to wait on hold. One quick question about EFTPS - when you register, do you need to have your ITIN already, or can you use your SSN if you're on a work visa? I'm on an H-1B and have an SSN but haven't applied for an ITIN since I thought I didn't need one. Also, thank you for mentioning the tax year selection issue! I bet that's been part of my problem. I've been so focused on getting through the payment screens that I probably wasn't paying close attention to which tax year was selected. These little details make such a huge difference with government systems.
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