With the April 15 tax deadline approaching, the IRS reminds taxpayers there is still time to file their federal income tax return electronically and request direct deposit.
Filing electronically reduces tax return errors as tax software does the calculations, flags common errors and prompts taxpayers for missing information. Most people qualify for electronic filing at no cost and, when they choose direct deposit, receive their refund within 21 days.
Free electronic
filing options
Taxpayers with income of $79,000 or less in 2023 can use IRS Free File guided tax software. IRS Free Fillable forms, a part of this program, is available at no cost to taxpayers of any income level and provides electronic forms for people to fill out and e-file themselves.
IRS Direct File is now open to all eligible taxpayers in 12 pilot states — including Texas — to decide if it is the right option for them to file their 2023 federal tax returns online, for free, directly with the IRS. Go to the Direct File website at directfile.irs.gov for more information about Direct File pilot eligibility and the 12 participating states.
Through a network of community partnerships, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free tax return preparation to eligible people in the community by IRS certified volunteers. Find out more at irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep.
MilTax, a Department of Defense program, generally offers free return preparation and electronic filing software for federal income tax returns and up to three state income tax returns for all military members, and some veterans, with no income limit.
Use Where’s My Refund?
to check refund status
The Where’s My Refund? tool will normally show a refund status within 24 hours after e-filing a 2023 tax return, three to four days after e-filing a 2021 or 2022 return and four weeks after filing a tax return by mail. To use the tool, taxpayers need their Social Security number, filing status and exact refund amount. Taxpayers can also check Where’s My Refund? by downloading the free mobile app, IRS2Go, from an iPhone or Android device. The tool updates once a day, so people don’t need to check more often.
Taxpayers who owe
on their tax return
IRS reminds people they can avoid paying interest and some penalties by filing their tax return and, if they have a balance due, paying the total amount due by the tax deadline of Monday, April 15. Taxpayers unable to pay in full by the tax deadline should pay what they can now and apply for an online payment plan. They can receive an immediate response of payment plan acceptance or denial without calling or writing to the IRS.
Unable to file by
the April 15 deadline?
Individuals unable to file their tax return by the tax deadline can apply for a tax-filing extension in the following ways:
- Individual tax filers, regardless of income, can electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension through IRS Free File by filing a Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
- Make an electronic payment using Direct Pay, debit card, credit card or digital wallet and indicate the payment is for an extension.
- Mail Form 4868 by the tax deadline.
Tax-filing extension requests are due by the tax deadline date, and it does not give an extension of time to pay the taxes.
Avoid some penalties by estimating and paying the tax due by the tax deadline.
Special rules for tax deadlines and automatic tax-filing extensions may apply for taxpayers serving in a combat zone or qualified hazardous duty areas, living outside the United States, and people living in certain disaster areas. They may not need to submit a tax-filing extension; however, people should check to see if they qualify before the tax deadline. Use IRS.gov for the quickest and easiest information.
Taxpayers can visit IRS.gov 24 hours a day for answers to tax questions, tips and resources.
The Lakelander 