In this series: How to file your taxes: step by step Check if you need to file Gather your documents Get credits and deductions File your return Get your refund Pay taxes on time Be ready to file taxes next year File by the April deadline File your tax return by the deadline. For most filers, the deadline for 2023 tax returns is Monday, April 15, 2024 (April 17, 2024, if you live in Maine or Massachusetts). Find help if you need more time to file or pay Choose a way to file E-filing gives you your refund faster. See Six Reasons Why You Should File Your Taxes Electronically. IRS Direct File Check if you're eligible for IRS Direct File and file online directly with IRS for free. File with an IRS Free File partner If your adjusted gross income is $79,000 or less, you can file electronically with IRS Free File. If your income is higher, you can use Free File Fillable Forms. Find IRS Free File options Free tax help from IRS-certified volunteers Get free tax prep help if any of these apply to you: Earn $64,000 or less Have a disability Need language support Are 60 years or older Visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center Contact us Tax preparation software Use an online tax preparation software of your choice to file your taxes electronically or on paper. Tax professional Choose an IRS-approved tax professional. Paper forms You can file with paper forms and mail them to the IRS. If you have wages, file Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. If you're a senior, you can file 1040-SR. If you have a business or side income, file Form 1040 with a Schedule C. Find the right form for you If you need more time to file or pay If you're in the military stationed abroad or are in a combat zone during the tax filing season, you may have more time. If you need more time, you must request an extension by the April filing deadline. Filing later may add penalties. If you file an extension, you must still pay taxes you owe by the deadline. Paying later adds interest and penalties. If you can't pay, get help with tax debt. Tax changes for this year Find the latest tax changes. Record these numbers When you file your return, record these numbers so you can check your refund, e-file next year or get tax information during the year: Your exact refund amount Your adjusted gross income You can also find these numbers after we process your return in your online account. File for prior years If you haven't filed a past-due tax return, you can file a tax return for any prior year. Get credits and deductions Get your refund Avoid scams Find help to avoid identity theft and fraud. Taxpayer guide to identity theft Tax scams/Consumer alerts Social Security: Fraud prevention and reporting Protect yourself from Social Security scams
