The April 15 tax deadline is right around the corner – but there’s still time for people to file their federal income tax return electronically and request direct deposit of any refund.
Filing electronically reduces tax return errors because the tax software does the calculations, flags common errors and prompts taxpayers for missing information. Most taxpayers qualify to file electronically for free and, when they choose direct deposit, they usually get their refund within 21 days.
Free filing options
Several free filing options are available:
- IRS Direct File: Open to eligible taxpayers in 25 states to file their 2024 tax returns online, for free, directly with the IRS.
- IRS Free File: Qualified taxpayers – those with an adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less – can file online using guided tax software for free. Those who don’t qualify can use Free File Fillable Forms.
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly: These programs offer free tax preparation to eligible people in the community by IRS-certified volunteers.
- MilTax, a Department of Defense program, generally offers free tax return preparation and electronic filing software for all military members and some veterans.
Check refund status
The IRS’s Where’s My Refund tool usually shows refund status within 24 hours after a taxpayer e-files their tax return. It takes about four weeks for those filing paper returns to see their status. The tool is available 24/7 and updates once a day.
Taxpayers that owe
Taxpayers can avoid paying interest and some penalties by filing their tax return and, if they have a balance due, paying the total amount due by the tax deadline of April 15. Several payment options, as well as options for those who can’t pay their balance in full, are available from the Payments page on IRS.gov.
Ask for a filing extension
Individuals who need more time to file their taxes can ask for an extension of time to file by the April 15 due date. This gives them until October 15 to file without penalties. Taxpayers should remember that an extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay.
Automatic tax filing extensions and special rules for tax deadlines may apply for taxpayers serving in a combat zone or qualified hazardous duty areas, living outside the United States or living in certain disaster areas. These taxpayers may not need to submit a tax-filing extension request – but they should check to see if they qualify before the tax deadline.
Get help on IRS.gov
Taxpayers can visit IRS.gov 24 hours a day for answers to tax questions, more tax tips and resources by visiting the Let Us Help You page.