Almost everyone can file electronically for free on IRS.gov or with the IRS2Go app. The IRS Free File program, available only through IRS.gov, offers eligible taxpayers brand-name tax preparation software packages to use at no cost. Some of the Free File packages also offer free state tax return preparation. The software does all the work of finding deductions, credits and exemptions for you. The IRS will accept Forms 1040, 1040-NR and 1040-SS even if a dependent has already been claimed on a previously filed return if the primary taxpayer on the second return includes a valid IP PIN. This will reduce the time for the agency to receive the tax return and accelerate the issuance of tax refunds for those with duplicate dependent returns.
How to set up an IRS online account
Keep an eye out for any follow-up correspondence in case the IRS needs additional information. Paying from overseas can feel confusing because IRS systems were built for people living in the US. Many tools Bookkeeping for Startups still work abroad, but some steps take extra thought. These points help anyone handling US expat taxes or trying to pay US taxes while living far away.
What Happens After You File?
Card payments are weaker for big amounts because the fee grows fast – for example, about $175–$185 on a $10,000 tax bill. Free bank transfers like Direct Pay cost nothing, and they are safer for someone who is already carrying card debt, since interest can build on top of IRS charges. For estimated tax purposes, the year is divided into four payment periods, with the last payment due in mid-January. Some returns may require additional review and may take longer to process. The IRS, along with its partners in the tax industry, continue to strengthen security reviews to help protect against identity theft and refund fraud. Life events, such as purchasing a home, going to college or losing a job, may make you eligible for certain tax benefits.
What Is IRS Direct Pay?
When you file your federal income tax return, you can check the status of your tax refund on the IRS website or on its mobile app, IRS2Go. Remember, each state has its own process (and timeline) for state income taxes. Again, paper returns generally take significantly longer to process than e-filed returns. Each state uses slightly different systems to let ledger account people check their tax refund status.
- After you file, check the status of your refund by going to IRS.gov and clicking on Where’s My Refund?
- You’ll need to enter your filing status, name, address, and other details from a prior return.
- Keep an eye out for any follow-up correspondence in case the IRS needs additional information.
- If you have questions about filing your federal taxes, contact the IRS.
- If you can’t file on time, you should file an extension by the tax deadline.
At Trail CPA, we recommend using the IRS’s Direct Pay system, which is fast, secure, and fee-free when paying from your bank account. Below, you’ll find a simple walkthrough of your options and the tax filing steps to ensure your payment is processed correctly. Filing your taxes online can seem daunting at first, but with the right approach, it’s easier, faster, and often more secure than traditional paper filing.
When Are Taxes Due for 2024?
- VITA/TCE volunteers provide free tax return preparation for eligible taxpayers.
- The fee always appears on the screen before you agree to pay.
- The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) still works for people who already have it, but it stopped taking new individual users on October 17, 2025.
- Choose your monthly amount (must meet the IRS minimum), enter your bank details for auto-debit, and pick a payment date between the 1st and 28th.
- At Trail CPA, we recommend using the IRS’s Direct Pay system, which is fast, secure, and fee-free when paying from your bank account.
- Volunteers can help taxpayers complete their returns over the phone, online or in-person.
Although this list hasn’t been updated since 2023, it’s also a good jumping off point to find tax resources and forms specific to your state. Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. Our websites may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. Other factors, such as our proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range, can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service.
For federal agencies
Card processors linked from IRS.gov let you pay the IRS without account creation. EFTPS requires enrollment and no longer accepts new individual enrollments after October 17, 2025. You’ll see the fee, the payment date, and how interest and penalties continue until the balance is paid. Choose your monthly amount (must meet the IRS minimum), enter your bank details for auto-debit, and pick a payment date between the 1st and 28th.