How to File Taxes Online With IRS (Step-by-Step) Guide & Pro Tips

Determine If You Need to File

Not everyone is required to file a federal tax return, but most people should. Generally, if your gross income exceeds the standard deduction for your filing status, you must file. More importantly, even if you don’t owe taxes, filing may result in a refund of taxes withheld or valuable credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (up to $649 for those without qualifying children in 2025).

Gather All Your Tax Documents

Before you open any software, assemble every document from the checklist above. Organized tax records make preparing a complete and accurate return far easier and faster. Missing a single 1099 or W-2 is the most common cause of amended returns.

Check your mail, email inbox, and employer/bank portals for digital copies. Most forms should be in your hands by February 15, 2026.

Create or Access Your IRS Online Account

Visit IRS.gov and set up your individual IRS online account. This gives you 24/7 access to your tax records, prior-year returns, balance information, payment history, and the ability to manage your communication preferences. You’ll also need your prior-year AGI to verify your identity when e-filing.

Your IRS account is also where you can retrieve transcripts, set up payment plans, and view any IRS notices sent to you.

Select Your Filing Method & Start Your Return

Navigate to IRS Free File at IRS.gov if your AGI is $89,000 or less. Use the “Find Your Trusted Partner” tool to match with a software provider based on your income, age, and state. Click through to the partner’s site from IRS.gov to ensure you get the free version.

If your income exceeds $89,000, use Free File Fillable Forms (these are electronic versions of official IRS forms you complete yourself). IRS Free File works on computers, smartphones, and tablets.

Complete Form 1040 – Enter Your Information

Work through your return by entering all income sources, deductions, and credits. For 2025 returns filed in 2026, be aware of several new items (see the section below). Key things to report accurately:

• All income wages, freelance, gig work, investment gains, and digital assets
• New Schedule 1-A for new deductions: no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on car loan interest, enhanced senior deduction
• Digital assets question on Form 1040, must answer even if you had no crypto activity
• Child Tax Credit up to $2,200 per qualifying child under age 17
• Earned Income Tax Credit up to $649 if you have no qualifying children

The guided software will walk you through each section with plain-language questions, so you don’t need to be a tax expert.

Review, Sign & Submit Your Return

Before submitting, review every entry carefully. The software will flag obvious errors and missing information. To e-file, you’ll verify your identity using your prior-year AGI from your 2024 return (available in your IRS online account).

Provide your bank account routing and account number for direct deposit, this is how you’ll receive your refund. The IRS is actively phasing out paper refund checks under the executive order on modernizing payments. Sign your return electronically and submit.

Track Your Refund & Pay Any Balance Due

Use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov or the IRS2Go mobile app to track your refund status. Updates are available within about 24 hours after e-filing. Most e-file refunds arrive via direct deposit within 21 days for accurate, complete returns.

If you owe taxes, you must pay by April 15, 2026 even if you filed an extension. You can pay via IRS Direct Pay, credit/debit card, or a payment plan through your IRS account.