IRS Direct File: File taxes online directly with IRS for free

File your taxes online – for free – directly with the IRS. Direct File is simple, accurate and secure.

Sign-in to access your IRS Direct File account with ID.me

What's new

IRS Direct File will be open for filing in early 2025 expanding to 24 participating states with additional features making this option available to more taxpayers.

Verify your identity and access most IRS tax tools securely using the same login and password.

Subscribe to the Direct File newsletter or get the latest updates in Direct File news.

Check to see if Direct File is the right option for you

You're eligible if you live in a participating state and have certain types of income, credits and deductions.

The Eligibility Checker will be available later this fall to help you find out if Direct File is right for you in 2025.

States where you can use Direct File

Direct File is an option if you lived in one of these states in 2024 for the entire year.

  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Florida
  • Idaho
  • Kansas
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Washington state
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

You can't use Direct File if you did not live in one of these states for all of 2024.

Filing state returns

Direct File doesn't prepare state returns. If you need to file a state return, Direct File will guide you to a state-supported preparation and filing tool after you’ve finished your federal return.

Visit the state websites to find information about income tax filing in your state.

Types of income, credits and deductions you can claim

IRS Direct File supports the following types of income, credits and deductions:

Income

You can't use Direct File if you had other types of income, such as gig economy, rental or business income.

Credits

If you live in Washington state, Direct File will guide you to your state site where you can apply for the Working Families Tax Credit.

Deductions

You can't use Direct File if you itemize deductions.

If IRS Direct File is not an option for you

If IRS Direct file is not an option for you, here are other ways to file:

Online customer support

Live Chat with an IRS Direct File customer service representative is available again in English/Spanish for taxpayers logged into Direct File.

You can also request a callback. Our representatives offer technical support and answer basic tax law questions in English and Spanish.

Questions or issues unrelated to Direct File are routed to other IRS support staff.

You can confirm the IRS accepted your return. You can also view and download it.

Access your Direct File account and download your return

  1. Go to Direct File and click the Sign-in button.
  2. Select Review to go to your submission details.
  3. Scroll down and select Download my 2023 federal tax return submission.
  4. Print and save the Form 1040 PDF file.

 

If the IRS accepted your Direct File return

Check your refund or view your balance due in your online account.

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If the IRS rejected your Direct File return

Your Direct File return is not filed if you received an email that the IRS rejected it.

You still need to file your return.

You can’t resubmit a return with Direct File or use guided tax software this year.

To file your return, you can:

To file by paper

  1. Sign in to Direct File and download your return
  2. Review the error. Make sure your personal and employment information is correct.
  3. File a paper Form 1040.
  4. Mail your return to the IRS and attach a copy of the IRS Direct File rejection email.

 

If you filed a state return for Arizona, California, New York or Massachusetts

Contact your state tax authority if you used a state-supported tool to prepare and file your state tax return.

 

If you didn’t file your 2023 taxes yet

You can e-file through October 15, 2024. If you attempted to file electronically, follow these correction procedures if it was rejected.

Pay any tax you owe as soon as possible to avoid penalties and interest.

If you don’t usually file

Consider filing your taxes anyway. You could get money back if you:

 

If you receive an IRS letter about your 2023 taxes

We send notices and letters to ask about your return, alert you about a change to your account or request payment. Reply only if we ask you to or if you don’t agree.

If you received a CP303 Notice after you used Direct File, you don't need to do anything. If you didn’t sign in to Direct File and received this notice, call the number on your notice.

 

If you find a mistake after you file your taxes

If you made math errors, you generally don’t have to amend a return. We’ll correct those errors and mail you a notice.

If you made other errors, you may want to file an amended return. You can’t use Direct File to file an amended return. Check if you qualify for free tax help from IRS-certified volunteers.

 

About the IRS Direct File pilot

On May 3, 2024, the IRS released Publication 5969, IRS Direct File Pilot Program: Filing Season 2024 After Action Report PDF. The report examines the Direct File pilot in detail: the pilot itself, the technology and taxpayer experience, Direct File’s innovative customer support system, integration with state tax systems, and the pilot’s cost and benefits.