File your federal return through IRS Free File or tax software
The IRS offers free online filing through IRS Free File if your income is below a certain threshold — usually around $79,000 for the 2024 tax year, though this changes annually. You can find the current income limit and a list of participating tax software companies on IRS.gov. Each company offers a free version for people who meet the income requirement.
If your income is above the Free File limit, you can still file online using paid tax software like TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, or similar services. These typically cost between $60 and $200 depending on the complexity of your return. You can also file through a tax professional or CPA, though that will cost more.
To file online, you will need your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and information from your W-2s, 1099s, or other income documents. If you are filing jointly, you will need the same information for your spouse. Have your prior year tax return available if you are claiming certain credits or deductions.
Key Takeaways
- IRS Free File is available to people with income below a set threshold and lets you file your federal return at no cost through approved tax software.
- You will need your Social Security number, income documents (W-2s, 1099s), and information about any deductions or credits you are claiming.
- After you file online, the IRS processes your return and deposits your refund directly to your bank account if you provided banking information.
- You can track your refund status using the IRS Where's My Refund tool, which updates once per day and shows the current stage of processing.
- State tax returns are filed separately through your state's tax agency or through the same tax software you used for federal filing.
Steps to file your federal return online
Start by gathering your documents. Collect all W-2s from employers, 1099s for freelance income or interest, and receipts or records for deductions you plan to claim. If you received unemployment benefits, student loan interest statements, or made charitable donations, have those records ready too.
Log into your chosen tax software or the IRS Free File portal. Create an account if you do not have one. The software will walk you through a series of questions about your income, filing status, dependents, and deductions. Answer each section honestly and completely — the software will flag missing information.
Review your return before submitting. Most software shows you a summary of your income, deductions, and the refund amount. Check that all numbers match your documents. Once you are satisfied, electronically sign your return using your PIN or by entering your Social Security number and date of birth as verification.
Submit your return to the IRS. The software will confirm receipt with a confirmation number. Save this number — you will need it to track your refund. The IRS typically receives your return within 24 hours of submission.
How to set up direct deposit for your refund
Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your refund. When you file online, the tax software will ask for your banking information. You will need your bank's routing number and your account number. You can find both on a check or by logging into your bank's website.
Enter whether the account is a checking or savings account. Double-check the numbers before submitting — an error here will delay your refund. The IRS will not charge your account; it only deposits money into it.
If you do not have a bank account, some tax software offers refund cards — prepaid debit cards that the IRS can deposit your refund into. These typically charge a small fee, but they work if you do not have traditional banking.
Tracking your refund after filing online
Once your return is processed, you can track its status using the IRS Where's My Refund tool at IRS.gov. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount shown on your return. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight.
The tool shows three stages: the IRS received your return, the IRS is processing it, and the refund has been approved and sent to your bank. If you filed with direct deposit, the tool will also show the expected deposit date once the refund is approved.
Processing time varies. Most returns filed online are processed within 21 days, though some take longer if the IRS needs to verify information or if your return is flagged for review. If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit, processing may take longer — up to 39 days in some cases.
Filing your state tax return online
State returns are filed separately from your federal return. Many states allow online filing through the same tax software you used for federal filing — TurboTax, H&R Block, and others include state returns in their packages, though you may pay extra for state filing.
Some states offer their own free filing portals. Check your state's tax agency website to see what options are available. A few states do not have income tax, so you would not file a state return at all.
When you file your state return, you will provide similar information to what you gave the IRS — income, deductions, and credits. State refunds are typically processed separately from federal refunds and may take longer. Some states deposit refunds directly to your bank account if you provide banking information; others mail checks.
What to do if you made a mistake on your online return
If you catch an error before submitting, simply correct it in the software and resubmit. The IRS will process the most recent version you filed.
If you discover an error after filing, you will need to file an amended return using Form 1040-X. You can file this form online through tax software or by mail. An amended return takes longer to process — typically 16 weeks or more. Do not file multiple amended returns for the same tax year unless the IRS asks you to.
If the IRS finds an error during processing, they will contact you by mail. Do not ignore these letters — they explain what was changed and whether you owe money or will receive an additional refund.
Common problems when filing online and how to fix them
If your return is rejected, the software will tell you why. Common reasons include a mismatched Social Security number, a dependent claimed by two people, or missing information. Fix the error and resubmit. There is no penalty for resubmitting a corrected return before the deadline.
If your refund does not arrive on the expected date, check the Where's My Refund tool again — the date may have changed. If the tool shows your refund was approved and sent but you have not received it after two weeks, contact your bank to confirm the deposit was not made to the wrong account. If your bank has no record of the deposit, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
If you cannot access the tax software or the IRS website, try a different browser or device. Clear your browser cache and cookies, then try again. If the IRS website is down for maintenance, wait a few hours and try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file my taxes online if I am self-employed?
Yes. Self-employed people file online the same way as W-2 employees, but you will need to report your business income and expenses. You may also need to file Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business) along with your main return. Tax software designed for self-employed people will guide you through this.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You will need a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to file a tax return. If you do not have one, you will need to obtain it from the Social Security Administration or the IRS before filing online.
Is filing online safe?
Tax software companies use encryption to protect your information. The IRS website is also secure. However, be cautious about phishing emails claiming to be from the IRS — the IRS does not contact people by email about tax matters. Only use official IRS.gov or verified tax software websites.
Can I file my return online if I owe taxes instead of getting a refund?
Yes. You can file online and pay what you owe through the IRS Direct Pay system, a debit or credit card, or an electronic federal tax payment system. You can also set up a payment plan if you cannot pay the full amount at once.
How long does it take to get my refund after filing online?
Most refunds are deposited within 21 days of filing if you chose direct deposit. Some take longer if the IRS needs to review your return or if you claimed certain credits. You can check the exact status using the Where's My Refund tool.