IRS, you must act at least two business days before the scheduled payment date. The method for cancellation depends on how you scheduled the payment (Direct Pay, EFTPS, or Electronic Funds Withdrawal).
Method 1: IRS Direct Pay (Recommended)
If you scheduled the payment through IRS Direct Pay (no sign-in required):
- Go to the IRS Direct Pay website.
- Select "Look Up a Payment."
- Enter your confirmation number (emailed to you when you scheduled it) and your taxpayer information (SSN/ITIN, date of birth, etc.).
Follow the prompts to cancel the payment.
Method 2: Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW/Tax Software)
If you scheduled the payment while filing your tax return via software (TurboTax, TaxAct, etc.):
- Call the IRS e-file Payment Services line at 1-888-353-4537.
- Follow the prompts to cancel. Note that you may need to wait 7-10 days after your return was accepted to use this automated line.
You will need your SSN, bank account number, and the payment date/amount.
Method 3: EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System)
If you scheduled it through the EFTPS website:
- Log into EFTPS.gov.
- Select "Payments" and then "Cancel a Payment".
Follow the instructions to cancel by 11:59 p.m. ET at least two business days before the scheduled date.
- Cancellation Deadline: Requests must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time two business days prior to the scheduled date.
- Confirmation Number: You must have the confirmation number emailed to you when you scheduled the payment to cancel online.
- No Longer Available? If the two-day window has passed, you must contact your bank immediately to request a stop payment on the ACH debit.
If you are unable to cancel in time, the IRS will generally return improperly transferred funds if the error was on their end, but you may be liable for bank fees if you stop the payment.