New Online Payment Requirements: State & Federal

I wanted to share an important update regarding how tax payments should be made going forward. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), along with many state and local tax authorities, is increasingly requiring or strongly encouraging taxpayers to make payments electronically rather than by paper check.

This shift has been reinforced by recent federal legislation aimed at improving processing efficiency, reducing errors, and minimizing delays caused by paper filings and mailed payments. Electronic payments are faster, more secure, and provide immediate confirmation—helping ensure your payment is received and applied correctly.

To help make this transition as easy as possible, I’ve outlined simple step-by-step instructions below for making payments online to the IRS, Pennsylvania, and Berkheimer.

1. IRS – Federal Tax Payments

(Internal Revenue Service)

Best Option: IRS Direct Pay (no fees)

1. Go to the IRS Direct Pay website (search: “IRS Direct Pay”). (irs.gov/payments/direct-pay-with-bank-account)

2. Click “Pay Individual Tax.”

3. Click “Make a Payment.”

4. Select:

   • Reason for payment (e.g., Balance Due, Estimated Tax)

   • Tax form (usually 1040)

   • Tax year

5. Verify your identity using prior-year tax return information.

6. Enter your bank account (routing and account number).

7. Review and submit payment.

8. Save or print the confirmation for your records.

Alternative Option: EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System) – best for recurring or estimated payments.

2. Pennsylvania – State Tax Payments

(Pennsylvania Department of Revenue)

Online Payment via myPATH (mypath.pa.gov)

1. Go to the PA Department of Revenue website and access myPATH.

2. Click “Make a Payment.”

3. Choose payment type:

   • Personal Income Tax

   • Estimated Payment (if applicable)

4. Enter your identifying information (SSN, name, etc.).

5. Input payment amount and tax year.

6. Enter bank account or card information.

7. Submit payment and save confirmation.

3. Berkheimer – Local Earned Income Tax

(Berkheimer Tax Innovations / HAB, Inc.)

Online Payment Portal (hab-inc.com)

1. Go to Berkheimer’s website (hab-inc.com).

2. Click “Online Services” → “Make a Payment.”

3. Select Individual Earned Income Tax Payment.

4. Enter your:

   • Name

   • SSN

   • Municipality (if requested)

5. Choose payment type (current, estimated, or balance due).

6. Enter payment amount and tax year.

7. Provide bank or card information.

8. Submit payment and retain confirmation.

A Few Helpful Tips

• Always double-check the tax year and payment type before submitting.

• Save confirmations (PDF or screenshot) for your records.

• If you’re making estimated payments, consider setting reminders or using EFTPS for automation.

• Electronic payments help avoid mail delays and reduce the risk of misapplied payments.

As always, I’m happy to walk you through any of these systems or help determine the correct payment amounts for you.

About the Author

Cherie Sayban is a certified public accountant. She has over 25+ years of experience in Finance, Accounting and Bookkeeping.  

​Cherie Sayban CPA provides various financial and accounting solutions to small and mid-size businesses. Our portfolio includes: tax preparation, payroll preparation, accounts receivable and payables, general ledger, and QuickBooks . Our bookkeeping workshops are offered both in-person and virtually.

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