Here’s a reminder that this year’s 2020 individual income tax return due date is May 17, 2021. Below are some options to help you file, get your refund faster, pay, and to request an extension of time to file, if needed.
Filing options
For information about filing options, see our Filing Returns Get Help center or the IRS File page for options. Even if you are experiencing homelessness, you can take advantage of the free filing or volunteer program options.
Here’s additional filing information if you fit one of these categories:
Avoid filing issues by reading these articles first:
- Steer clear of typical tax return errors; May 17 deadline nears,
- Tips to help prevent common tax return filing issues and refund delays,
- e-filing and entering the right Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) information,
- Claiming the 2020 Premium Tax Credit, and
- Recovery Rebate Credit and Economic Impact Payment information you might need to know.
Refund options
To ensure your refund is delivered quicker, use tax software to send it to the IRS electronically. You can choose to use the Direct Deposit option or any one of the other electronic direct pay options listed on the tax return. Some other electronic refund options are:
- Divide your refund into two or three additional financial accounts, including your Individual Retirement Account, or purchase up to $5,000 in U.S. Series I Savings Bonds.
- Direct your refund to reloadable prepaid cards or mobile payment apps that have account and routing numbers.
Note: You will need to check with the financial institution to ensure the card can be used and to obtain the routing number and account number, which may be different from the card number.
If you file a paper return, just follow the form’s instructions. See the IRS Forms, Instructions & Publications for the most current versions.
See the Where’s My Refund? page for options to check on your refund status.
Payment options
If you find that you owe money, you have payment options too.
For information about payment options, see our Paying Taxes Get Help center or the IRS Pay page. Payment options include, but are not limited to:
- Electronic Funds Withdrawal (during e-filing)
- Direct Pay from a bank account
- Debit or Credit card
- IRS2go mobile app
- Same-day wire (bank fees may apply)
- Check or money order
- Cash (Not recommended due to Coronavirus limitations).
Can’t pay your taxes in full when filing? No problem. But you should pay as much as you can now to limit penalties and interest. See the other payment options on our Paying Taxes Get Help center or the IRS Pay page.
Filing extension requests
Can’t file by May 17? Request an extension of time to file until Oct. 15 by submitting Form 4868 through your tax professional, tax software or using the Free File link on IRS.gov.
Special rules may apply if you are:
As a reminder, filing Form 4868 gives most calendar-year individual taxpayers until October 15 to file their 2020 tax return, but it does not grant an extension of time to pay taxes due.
See our Extension Get Help page or the IRS Extension of Time To File Your Tax Return page for more information.