Where to file your federal tax return online
The IRS offers free online filing through IRS Free File, which is available to most people whose income falls below a certain threshold (the limit changes yearly). You can access Free File at IRS.gov — look for the "Free File" link on the homepage. The IRS partners with tax software companies like TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, and others to provide the software at no cost.
If your income is above the Free File limit, you can purchase tax software from any major provider or use a tax professional's online portal. Many software companies let you file directly through their website or mobile app. You will need your Social Security number, income documents (W-2s, 1099s, or business records), and last year's tax return if you have one.
To start, gather your documents first. Have your W-2 forms from your employer, any 1099 forms for other income, receipts for deductions you plan to claim, and your bank account information if you want your refund deposited directly. The software will walk you through each section and calculate what you owe or what should be refunded to you.
Key Takeaways
- IRS Free File is available at IRS.gov for people whose income is below the yearly threshold, and uses tax software provided by IRS partner companies.
- You will need your Social Security number, W-2 or 1099 forms, and bank account details for direct deposit before you start filing.
- After you file electronically, the IRS typically processes your return within 21 days if you choose direct deposit.
- You can track your refund status using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov with your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount.
- State tax returns are filed separately through your state's tax agency website, and each state has its own timeline and delivery method.
Steps to file your federal return online
Open the tax software or IRS Free File portal and create an account or log in. You will be asked for your name, Social Security number, date of birth, and address. The software will then guide you through sections for personal information, income, deductions, and credits.
Enter your income information from your W-2s and 1099 forms. The software will ask questions about your filing status (single, married filing jointly, head of household, etc.), dependents, and whether you own a home or have student loans. Answer each section completely — skipping information can delay your refund or trigger an audit notice later.
Review the summary before you submit. Most software shows you a preview of your return and the refund amount or tax owed. Check that all numbers match your documents. Once you submit, you cannot change anything, so take time to verify.
Choose direct deposit if the software offers it. Provide your bank account number and routing number (found on the bottom left of your checks or through your bank's website). Direct deposit is faster than a paper check — the IRS typically deposits refunds within 21 days of processing your return.
How to file your state tax return online
Each state has its own tax agency and filing system. Go to your state's department of revenue or taxation website (search "[your state] tax return online" to find it). Some states use their own free filing software; others direct you to the same third-party software companies used for federal filing.
You will file your state return separately from your federal return, even if you use the same software. The state return asks similar questions but may have different deductions, credits, or tax rates. Some states do not have an income tax, so you may not need to file a state return at all — check your state's website to confirm.
State processing times vary. Some states process returns within two to four weeks; others take six to eight weeks. Direct deposit is usually available for state refunds as well, and it is faster than waiting for a check in the mail.
Tracking your refund status online
After you file your federal return, use the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool at IRS.gov. 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.
The tool shows three statuses: "Return Received" (the IRS has your return but has not processed it yet), "Approved" (your return has been processed and your refund has been approved), and "Sent" (your refund has been mailed or deposited). If you chose direct deposit, the "Sent" status will include the deposit date.
If your return shows "Return Received" for more than 21 days after you filed, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. A delay can mean the IRS needs more information, found an error, or flagged your return for review.
For your state refund, go to your state's tax agency website and look for a refund tracker or status tool. Each state names and operates this tool differently, but most work the same way — you enter your Social Security number and refund amount to see where your money is in the process.
What to do if your refund is delayed
If the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool says your return is still being processed after 21 days, check whether the IRS sent you a notice in the mail. The IRS mails notices to your address on file if it needs more information, found a discrepancy, or has questions about your return. Open any mail from the IRS immediately — these notices have deadlines.
If you filed electronically and chose direct deposit, delays are usually short. If you chose a paper check, delays are longer — paper checks can take four to six weeks or more, especially during tax season (January through April). If you need your refund sooner, you can amend your return to choose direct deposit instead, but this adds time rather than saving it.
Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 if your refund is more than 21 days late and the "Where's My Refund?" tool shows no update. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready. The IRS can tell you whether your return is being reviewed, whether a notice was mailed, or whether there is a processing error.
Common mistakes that slow down your refund
Mismatched information is the most common cause of delays. If your name, Social Security number, or filing status on your return does not match IRS records, your return will be flagged for manual review. Make sure your name is spelled exactly as it appears on your Social Security card.
Incorrect bank account or routing numbers will cause direct deposit to fail. The IRS will then mail a paper check instead, adding weeks to your wait. Double-check your bank details before you submit — most banks can confirm your routing number over the phone or through their website.
Missing or incomplete information also triggers delays. If you claim a dependent but do not provide their Social Security number, or if you claim a credit but do not include the required documentation, the IRS will hold your return for review. Answer every question the software asks, even if it seems optional.
Filing before you have all your documents can cause problems too. If you file in January but do not receive a 1099 form until February, you will need to file an amended return. It is better to wait until you have everything than to file twice.
Choosing between e-file and paper filing
Electronic filing (e-file) is faster and more accurate than mailing a paper return. The IRS processes e-filed returns within 21 days if you choose direct deposit, compared to four to six weeks for paper returns. E-filing also reduces the chance of errors because the software checks your math and flags missing information before you submit.
Paper filing is an option if you do not have internet access or prefer to mail your return. You can download a blank return form from IRS.gov, fill it out by hand, and mail it to the address shown in the instructions. However, paper returns take much longer to process, and the IRS cannot tell you the status until several weeks have passed.
If you file on paper, keep a copy for your records and send it certified mail so you have proof the IRS received it. Do not mail your return during the last week of tax season (mid-April) — mail delays can cause your return to arrive after the deadline, which may result in penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file my tax return online if I am self-employed?
Yes. Self-employed people file online using the same software as employees, but you will need to report your business income and expenses on Schedule C (for sole proprietors) or Schedule S (for S-corps). Have your business income records, receipts for deductible expenses, and depreciation information ready. The software will calculate your self-employment tax automatically.
What happens if I file my return but realize I made a mistake?
If you have not yet received your refund, contact the IRS immediately at 1-800-829-1040 to see if you can stop the return before it is processed. If processing has already started, you will need to file an amended return using Form 1040-X. Amended returns take longer to process than original returns — typically four to six weeks.
Do I have to file my state return if I only owe federal taxes?
It depends on your state. Some states have no income tax, so you do not file. Others require you to file even if you owe nothing, especially if you had taxes withheld from your paychecks. Check your state's tax agency website to confirm whether filing is required for your situation.
How long does it take to get a refund if I file on paper instead of online?
Paper returns typically take four to six weeks to process, compared to 21 days for e-filed returns with direct deposit. During tax season (January through April), paper returns can take even longer because the IRS processes them in the order received. If you need your refund quickly, e-filing with direct deposit is the fastest option.
Can I track my state tax refund the same way I track my federal refund?
Each state has its own refund tracking tool, so you cannot use the IRS tool for state refunds. Go to your state's tax agency website and look for a "refund status" or "where's my refund" tool. You will typically need your Social Security number and refund amount, just like the federal tool.