File your federal return through IRS Free File or tax software, then track your refund status using your Social Security number and filing date

The IRS offers two main routes to file online for free: the IRS Free File program (if your income is below a certain threshold, which changes yearly) or commercial tax software that charges a fee. Once you file, you can check your refund status within 24 hours using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov. State returns are filed separately through your state's tax agency website or the same software you used for federal.

The entire process—from filing to receiving your refund—typically takes two to three weeks if you choose direct deposit, or up to four weeks if you request a check by mail. The timeline starts from the date the IRS receives and accepts your return, not the date you submit it.

Key Takeaways

  • IRS Free File is available to most people earning under $79,000 (2024 threshold; this amount changes yearly), and you access it through IRS.gov by selecting a participating tax software provider.
  • You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and last year's tax return information to file online.
  • Direct deposit is faster than a mailed check and reduces the risk of your refund being lost or stolen.
  • The IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool updates once per day and will show your refund status within 24 hours of filing if your return is accepted.
  • State income tax refunds are filed and tracked separately from your federal return through your state's revenue or taxation department.

Accessing IRS Free File or choosing tax software

Start at IRS.gov and look for the "Free File" link on the homepage. The IRS Free File program partners with tax software companies that offer free federal return filing to people whose income falls below the annual threshold. For 2024, that threshold is $79,000 in adjusted gross income. If you earned more, you can still file online but will pay a fee to the software provider—typically $15 to $150 depending on the complexity of your return and which company you choose.

If you use Free File, you must file through the IRS partner software listed on IRS.gov. Do not go directly to a tax software company's website; they may charge you even if you would have been free through the IRS program. Popular Free File partners include TaxAct, TurboTax, H&R Block, and others. Each partner has slightly different features, so read the description to find one that matches your situation (simple return, self-employed income, rental property, etc.).

If you choose paid software instead, you can use any major provider: TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, Jackson Hewitt, or others. These work the same way—you answer questions about your income, deductions, and credits, and the software calculates your refund or amount owed.

What you need before you start filing online

Gather these documents and information before you open the tax software: your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status (single, married filing jointly, head of household, etc.), and your spouse's information if filing jointly. You will also need your last year's tax return, your W-2 forms from all employers, any 1099 forms (for self-employment, interest, dividends, or other income), and receipts or records of deductions you plan to claim.

If you are claiming dependents, have their Social Security numbers and birthdates ready. If you received unemployment benefits, stimulus payments, or education credits, have those documents on hand. The software will ask for your bank account number and routing number if you want your refund deposited directly, so have a blank check or your bank statement available.

Steps to file your federal return online

Open the tax software and create an account or log in if you have filed with that provider before. The software will walk you through sections: personal information, income (W-2s, 1099s, self-employment), deductions (standard or itemized), and credits (child tax credit, education credits, etc.). Answer each question honestly and completely. If you are unsure about something, most software includes help text or links to IRS guidance.

Review your return before submitting. The software will show you your total income, deductions, and the refund amount or tax owed. Check that all numbers match your documents. Once you are satisfied, choose how you want your refund delivered: direct deposit (fastest) or a check mailed to your address. If you choose direct deposit, enter your bank account number and routing number.

Sign and submit your return electronically. The software will assign you a confirmation number—save this. The IRS will send you an email confirmation once your return is received and accepted, usually within 24 hours. This email will include your confirmation number and the date your return was accepted.

Filing your state income tax return

Most states require a separate income tax return filed with the state revenue or taxation department. Some tax software includes state filing for free or a small additional fee; others require you to file the state return separately. Check what your software offers before you finish.

To file your state return online, go to your state's revenue department website (search "[Your State] Department of Revenue" or "[Your State] tax filing"). Many states offer free filing options similar to the IRS Free File program. You will use the same income and deduction information from your federal return, but state forms may ask for state-specific credits or deductions.

File your state return after your federal return is accepted. Some states will not process your state return until the IRS has accepted your federal return, so waiting a day or two avoids delays. Keep your federal confirmation number handy when filing state.

Tracking your refund status online

Visit IRS.gov and select "Where's My Refund?" under the Tools section. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight. You can check your status as soon as 24 hours after the IRS accepts your return.

The tool will show one of three messages: "Return Received" (the IRS has your return but has not processed it yet), "Approved" (your return has been processed and your refund is on the way), or "Sent" (your refund has been deposited or mailed). If you chose direct deposit, "Sent" means the money has been transferred to your bank account—it may take one to two business days to appear in your account depending on your bank.

For your state refund, go to your state's revenue department website and look for a similar refund tracking tool. State refunds typically take longer than federal refunds, sometimes three to four weeks or more depending on the state.

What to do if your refund is delayed

If your refund status shows "Return Received" for more than 21 days after filing, or if the tool says your refund should have arrived but has not appeared in your bank account, contact the IRS. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (have your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount ready). You can also visit an IRS office in person if you prefer, though phone lines are often faster.

If you filed by mail instead of online and your refund is delayed, the wait may be longer—up to 12 weeks or more. The IRS processes paper returns more slowly than electronic ones. If you filed electronically and your refund is very late, the IRS may have flagged your return for review, which can add weeks or months. The IRS will contact you by mail if this happens.

If your refund was deposited but you do not see it in your bank account after two business days, contact your bank. Occasionally a refund is deposited to the wrong account due to a typo in your bank information. Your bank can trace the deposit and help recover it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file my federal and state returns at the same time?

You can file both in the same software session if your software supports state filing, but the IRS must accept your federal return before most states will process your state return. Filing them together saves time on data entry, but the state processing still happens after federal acceptance.

What if I made a mistake on my return after I filed it?

You can file an amended return using IRS Form 1040-X. You do not need to wait for your refund to arrive first. File the amended return online through tax software or by mail. Amended returns take longer to process—typically four to six weeks or more.

Do I have to use direct deposit, or can I get a check?

You can choose either. Direct deposit is faster (one to two weeks) and safer because the money goes straight to your bank account. A mailed check takes three to four weeks and can be lost or stolen. If you do not have a bank account, a check is your only option.

What if the IRS says I owe money instead of getting a refund?

You can pay online through IRS.gov using a debit or credit card, or set up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full. The IRS charges a fee for credit card payments but not for debit card or bank transfer payments.

Can I file online if I am self-employed or have rental income?

Yes. You will need to report your self-employment or rental income on the appropriate forms (Schedule C for self-employment, Schedule E for rental property). Tax software guides you through these forms step by step. Make sure your software supports the forms you need before you start.