File your tax return online through the IRS website or a tax software provider
You can file your federal tax return online in two ways: directly through the IRS using their free tools, or through a third-party tax software company. The IRS Free File program lets you file for free if your household income is below a certain threshold (this varies by year, typically around $73,000). If your income is higher, you can still file online through paid software like TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct, or you can mail a paper return.
The fastest route to a refund is filing electronically and requesting direct deposit. Paper returns take four to six weeks to process; electronic returns with direct deposit typically take 21 days, though the IRS says most arrive within 5 to 10 business days. If you owe taxes instead of receiving a refund, you can pay online through the IRS website using a debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer.
Key Takeaways
- The IRS Free File program is available at IRS.gov if your income is below the annual threshold; otherwise, you can use paid tax software or file by mail.
- Electronic filing with direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your refund, typically arriving within 5 to 10 business days instead of 4 to 6 weeks.
- You can check the status of your refund using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov, which updates once per day.
- If you file electronically and claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit, the IRS holds your refund until mid-February by law.
- Direct deposit requires your routing number and account number; if you provide incorrect banking information, the refund will be returned to the IRS and reissued by check.
Steps to file your tax return online
Start by gathering your documents: your Social Security number or ITIN, W-2 forms from your employer, 1099 forms for other income (interest, dividends, freelance work), and receipts for deductions if you itemize. If you have dependents, you will need their Social Security numbers and birth dates.
Go to IRS.gov and look for "Free File" if you meet the income limit. If you do not, choose a tax software provider and download or access it online. Enter your personal information, income, and deductions. The software will calculate your tax liability and refund amount. Review everything before you submit. Once you file electronically, you will receive a confirmation number—save this.
When prompted, choose direct deposit and enter your bank's routing number and your account number. Double-check these numbers; if they are wrong, your refund will be returned to the IRS as undeliverable and reissued by check, which adds weeks to the process. You can also choose to have your refund issued as a check by mail.
How to track your refund status online
The IRS provides a tool called "Where's My Refund?" on IRS.gov. You can access it 24 hours a day. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight, so checking multiple times in one day will not show new information.
The tool will show one of 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), or "Sent" (your refund has been issued). If you chose direct deposit, "Sent" means the money is on its way to your bank account. If you chose a check, "Sent" means the check has been mailed.
If your refund status does not update after 21 days from the date you filed electronically, or after the date shown on your filing confirmation, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount ready.
What to do if you filed electronically but your refund is delayed
If "Where's My Refund?" shows no status after 21 days, or if it shows "Return Received" but you are past the 21-day window, your return may be under review. The IRS reviews returns for math errors, missing information, or potential fraud. This does not mean you did anything wrong; it is a standard check.
If the IRS needs more information from you, they will mail you a letter. Do not ignore it. The letter will explain what they need and give you a deadline to respond. Respond by the deadline, even if you think the request is an error. If you miss the deadline, the IRS may disallow deductions or credits, which reduces your refund.
If you believe your return was filed correctly and the delay is not explained by the IRS, you can file a complaint with the Taxpayer Advocate Service, which is a free service within the IRS. Call 1-877-777-4778 or visit TaxpayerAdvocate.IRS.gov.
How to file state taxes online
Most states allow you to file your state income tax return online through the state's tax agency website or through the same tax software you used for federal taxes. Some tax software packages include state filing in the price; others charge an additional fee. Check before you buy.
To find your state's tax filing portal, search "[your state] department of revenue" or "[your state] tax commission." The website will list free and paid filing options. If you owe state taxes, you can usually pay online through the same portal. If you are owed a state refund, you can request direct deposit to your bank account, just as you do for federal refunds.
State refunds are processed separately from federal refunds and may take longer. Some states process refunds within two to three weeks; others take six to eight weeks. Check your state's website for the typical timeline. You can track your state refund status through the same state website where you filed.
What happens if you file electronically but provide incorrect banking information
If you enter the wrong routing number or account number for direct deposit, the IRS will attempt to deposit your refund to that account. If the account does not exist or belongs to someone else, the bank will reject the deposit and return it to the IRS. The IRS will then reissue your refund by check and mail it to the address on your return.
This process adds four to six weeks to your refund timeline. You will not receive a separate notice that your direct deposit failed; the IRS will simply mail the check. To avoid this, verify your routing number and account number before you submit your return. Your bank's website or a call to their customer service line can confirm both numbers.
If you realize you made an error after you have filed, you cannot change your banking information. You must wait for the check to arrive, or you can contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to ask if the refund has already been rejected by the bank. If it has not yet been rejected, the IRS may be able to stop it and reissue it to the correct account, though this is not may provide.
Refund timing if you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit
If you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), the IRS is required by law to hold your entire refund until mid-February, even if you file in January. This is called the "PATH Act delay" and applies to all returns that include these credits, regardless of whether the credits are the reason for your refund.
This means your refund will not be issued before mid-February, even if you file electronically and request direct deposit. The IRS uses this time to verify that you are not claiming the credits fraudulently. After mid-February, your refund will be processed and issued on the normal timeline (5 to 10 business days for direct deposit).
If you file your return in February or later, the delay may not apply, depending on the exact date. Check the IRS website for the current year's PATH Act delay dates, as they vary slightly year to year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file my taxes online if I am self-employed?
Yes. Self-employed filers report income on Schedule C and pay self-employment tax on Schedule SE. Tax software designed for self-employed people will walk you through these forms. You will need records of your income and business expenses. The filing process is the same as for W-2 employees: file electronically and request direct deposit for the fastest refund.
What if I made a mistake on my return after I filed it electronically?
You can file an amended return using Form 1040-X. You must file it by paper mail, not electronically. Do not file a second return; the IRS will reject it or process only the first one. File the amended return as soon as you notice the error. Processing takes about 16 weeks. If the amendment results in a larger refund, you will receive it after processing is complete.
Do I have to use direct deposit, or can I get a check?
You can choose either direct deposit or a check when you file. Direct deposit is faster (5 to 10 business days) and more secure. A check takes 4 to 6 weeks. If you choose a check and it does not arrive within six weeks, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report it missing.
Can I file my taxes online on my phone?
Most tax software companies offer mobile apps that let you file on your phone or tablet. The process is the same as filing on a computer. Make sure you use the official app from the tax software provider, not a third-party app, to protect your personal information.
What if I do not have internet access at home?
You can file online at a public library, community center, or tax preparation site. Many libraries offer free computer access and some offer free tax preparation help. Search "free tax preparation near me" or call 211 to find a site in your area. You can also file by mail using a paper return, though this takes longer.