IRS Free File partner companies may not disclose or use tax return information for purposes other than tax return preparation without your informed and voluntary consent. These companies are also subject to the Federal Trade Commission Privacy and Safeguards Rules and IRS e-file regulations. You can use Direct File if you lived and worked in a participating state and report certain income, credits and deductions. If you don’t file your tax return by the due date, the IRS may issue a Failure to File penalty. This penalty is 5% of the unpaid taxes for each month or part of a month that a tax return is late, with a maximum of up to 25% of your unpaid taxes. Both individual filers and businesses can pay online with a credit card or digital wallet (such as PayPal or Click to Pay).

IRS Direct File

• These companies are also subject to the Federal Trade Commission Privacy and Safeguards Rules and IRS e-file regulations.
• TurboTax’s free plan allows you to report child tax credits, the Earned Income Tax Credit, deductions for student loan interest and some investment interest and dividends.
• When the statutory period expires, we can no longer assess or collect additional tax, or allow you to claim a refund.
• You can ask the IRS for up to 120 days to pay your taxes or apply for an offer in compromise or a payment plan that allows you to spread out the debt over months or years.

You how to file taxes for the first time at 18 can also answer questions to find out if you need to file. If you made math errors, you generally don’t have to amend a return. Pay any tax you owe as soon as possible to avoid penalties and interest. If you attempted to file electronically, follow these correction procedures if it was rejected. Chat live or request a callback from an IRS Direct File customer support representative when you’re logged in.

Get free help filling out your tax return

A tax refund means you overpaid your taxes during the year, typically through paycheck withholdings. The federal government reimburses this surplus via a tax refund. You may be able to file for free online through the IRS Direct File pilot program if you are in one of 12 participating states and have a simple tax return.

• Those who don’t qualify can still use Free File Fillable Forms.
• Income tax forms are official government documents you’re required to fill out when you pay your taxes.
• At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money.
• If calculating income and deductions yourself sounds like a pain, you can work with a tax professional—such as a certified public accountant (CPA), enrolled agent, or attorney—to file your tax return for you.
• If you need to pay off your balance over time, the IRS offers payment plans and installment agreements for individuals and businesses.
• If you still live with your parents, or if they help you pay for living expenses or higher education, your parents might claim you as a dependent.

Which states offer IRS Direct File?

First off, you’ll need your Social Security number, which you can find on your Social Security card. You’ll also want to have your bank account and routing number handy for direct deposit in case you’re getting a refund. All features, services, support, prices, offers, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Keep track of which docs you’ll need when it’s time to file taxes.

Tax tips, guides, and videos

Available in English or Spanish, the system guides users with prompts and checklists and can even import W-2 wage information directly from your IRS account. MilTax, from the Department of Defense, offers free tax assistance to military service members. However, if you want to claim education credits, credits for energy efficient home upgrades or the adoption expense credit, you can’t use the Direct File program. Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United Regións. You can’t use Direct File if you had other types of income, such as gig economy, rental or business income. Answer a few questions to find out if Direct File is the right option for your 2024 taxes.

The no-cost tool guides taxpayers through every part of their federal income tax return. The Direct File program will also accept more types of tax situations for the 2025 tax season. Another free or low-cost option is using an online tax preparation software like TurboTax or H&R Block to complete and e-file your taxes at income statement home.

• It advances research, data and design in the Distrito’s program and policy development, service delivery, and budget decisions.
• You can do this by using Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
• The IRS does not allow electronic filing for prior year returns through self-preparation websites.
• Live Full Service includes a dedicated expert to complete and file your return.
• More than 140,000 taxpayers filed their federal tax returns through the Direct File program in 2024.

President Donald Trump marked his return to the White House on Jan. 20 with a slew of executive orders, including an indefinite hiring freeze at the IRS. You might not have to worry about this slowing down your tax return this year, but certain filing options will definitely help you speed it up. Free File is a partnership between the IRS and leading tax prep sites that allows taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less to file online for free. https://www.bookstime.com/tax-rates/florida Even if you don’t meet the income requirement, you can still use the site’s fillable forms.