explain how filing your tax return online can make payments easier

It’s now the Accounting Periods and Methods norm for Americans to file their taxes online — the IRS reports that more than 90 percent of individual tax returns were e-filed in 2023, the most recent data available. Even most professional tax preparers are required to electronically file returns on behalf of their clients. Start by planning ahead – and reading this article is part of that step!

How to Make Electronic Payments to the IRS

  • You’ll see the fee, the payment date, and how interest and penalties continue until the balance is paid.
  • The IRS allows taxpayers to make payments from their bank account, or with a debit card, credit card or digital wallet, though processing fees apply for these options.
  • If you feel comfortable playing the role of accountant, you can access Fillable Forms on the IRS website and prepare your own taxes.
  • Direct Pay and the Online Account let people pay from a bank account without waiting for a PIN in the mail, so they work faster and feel easier.
  • Yes, you can pay the IRS late, but extra charges start from the original due date (usually April 15).
  • The IRS offers another option to file your taxes online for free, but this time guided by tax software.
  • The short option is fast and has no setup fee, while the long option gives more time and more structure.

You must make your check, money order or cashier’s check payable to the U.S. Treasury and ensure it includes all of the necessary information outlined by the IRS. Before you start filling out your tax return, gather all the required financial paperwork you’ll need to file.

  • The free forms will become available for completing 2024 tax returns on Jan. 27, 2025, which is the first day of the 2025 tax season and the date the IRS begins accepting tax returns for 2024.
  • Upon accessing the preferred payment method, you’ll be provided with instructions specific to that platform.
  • You can make an IRS payment to an account needed by using the Direct Pay guest path.
  • Direct Pay supports many IRS forms, including Form 1040, Form 1040-ES, and others listed in the IRS payment menu.
  • Almost everyone can file electronically for free on IRS.gov or with the IRS2Go app.

Benefits of Paying Taxes Electronically

explain how filing your tax return online can make payments easier

Generally, you’ll need two pieces of information to check your refund. Whether you’re making quarterly payments ahead Suspense Account of your tax filing or paying your full tax liability when you file your return, paying taxes is an essential part of financial responsibility. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides several convenient electronic payment methods to ensure timely and secure payments.

explain how filing your tax return online can make payments easier

File taxes online: Tools, tips, deadlines and more

You do not need an account or login, and you get a clear confirmation right on the screen. You can also choose a payment date up to 365 days in the future. After you file, check the status of your refund by going to IRS.gov and clicking on Where’s My Refund? The status of your refund will be available within 24 hours after the IRS accepts your e-filed tax return. Tool updates once every 24 hours, usually overnight, so you only need to check once a day. An IP PIN is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a federal tax return using your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

Volunteers can choose from roles such as tax preparer, greeter, interpreter and more. No experience is necessary and free web-based training is provided for all volunteers. H&R Block, TurboTax and TaxSlayer are among tax filing the big players that offer free online versions of their popular software. Access our secure client portals and payment system from the links below.

Pay Directly from Your Bank Account (Recommended)

explain how filing your tax return online can make payments easier

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