Can You Pay Property Taxes With a Credit Card?

You can pay for just about anything with a credit card, even your mortgage or rent. It’s only natural to wonder what else you can pay with a credit card — like property taxes. The IRS lets you pay your federal taxes with credit cards, so why not local taxes, too?

Well, just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. While there may be benefits to paying property taxes with a credit card, there are some considerations before you do.

Is Charging Property Taxes to a Credit Card Possible?

Some local governments allow homeowners to pay their property taxes with a credit card. However, you might have to pay a convenience fee of around 2% or higher. For example, New Orleans Parish in Louisiana charges a 2.49% fee, and Jackson County in Mississippi charges a fee of 3.30%.

Still, check with your local tax collector’s office to confirm whether your city or county accepts credit card payments for property taxes, because not all do.

[Read: Cash Back Credit Cards]

Should You Pay Your Property Taxes With a Credit Card?

“As with any financial decision, be sure to weigh the pros versus the cons to ensure the benefits of making payments in this manner outweigh the costs,” says Jeffrey Wood, certified public accountant and partner at Elysium Financial in South Jordan, Utah.

Some people love to use their credit cards for everything — and for good reason, Wood says. You earn rewards for your purchases and buy yourself more time to pay as your money stays in your bank account, where it continues earning interest.

Pros and Cons of Paying Property Taxes With a Credit Card

[Read: 0% Introductory APR Credit Cards]

How to Pay Your Property Taxes With a Credit Card

If your jurisdiction accepts credit card payments for property tax bills, you likely have a few ways to make payments. Many jurisdictions have online portals where payments can be made, Wood says. Try a simple internet search or contact your jurisdiction directly to find out where to pay.

You can also make a payment through ACI Payments, an IRS-authorized website, if your state has a contract with the third-party payment processor. Keep your bill or statement handy in case you need information, such as your jurisdiction code, to process your payment. The site also provides a fee calculator.

If your local tax collector’s office is open, paying by credit card in person may be an option as well.

“As with payments made by other methods, you will still be eligible for a refund if you have overpaid your taxes upon final reconciliation at the end of the year,” Wood says. “You can also make prepayments on your taxes due throughout the year, just as with any other method.”

Can You Pay Other Taxes With a Credit Card?

You could pay your state or federal income taxes with a credit card. However, this payment method might not be ideal because it also comes with a convenience fee, Miu says. For example, if you pay your federal taxes with a credit card, you’ll pay up to a 1.85% processing fee, depending on which payment processor you use.

The best way to pay your income taxes is usually direct debit because there’s typically no fee, Miu says. However, if you can’t pay your taxes in full, the IRS offers installment plans that often result in lower costs than credit card interest rates, he says.

More from U.S. News

6 Ways to Pay Off Credit Card Debt in the New Year

Are Credit Cards Good or Bad?

Are Credit Card Rewards Taxable?

Can You Pay Property Taxes With a Credit Card?
originally appeared on usnews.com

Update 02/24/26: This story was previously published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information.

Source