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Published:   |   Last Updated: October 25, 2024

Taxpayer e-Files Return

Where am I on the Roadmap?

Overview

Most taxpayers can file their tax returns electronically. There are multiple e-filing options for individual taxpayers — IRS Free File or Fillable Forms; Volunteer Income Tax Assistance or Tax Counseling for the Elderly tax return preparation sites; commercial software; and authorized e-file providers.

I need more information

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If you e-filed

The IRS will notify you within 24 hours if your tax return was received and accepted or if it’s being rejected.

If you owe taxes on your tax return, you can schedule the payment to be deducted from your bank account or mail a check, cashier’s check, or money order to the IRS (make it payable to the U.S. Treasury). To avoid any additional charges for late payment, schedule your payment to be deducted on any day up to the due date of the tax return, or mail your payment in time to be received at the IRS by that date. If you mail a payment, you can expect the IRS to cash it within a week or two of receipt.

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When can you not e-file?

  • Claiming a dependent who was already claimed on another tax return;
  • Filing before or after the e-file season (generally January 15 through October 15 each year);
  • Filing a  tax return for a year prior to three years ago; or
  • Filing with certain IRS forms.
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Ways you can pay

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Include with your payment

Where can I get additional help?

General Resources

Understanding your notice or letter

Get Help topics

Browse common tax issues and situations at TAS Get Help

If you still need help

The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS. TAS helps taxpayers resolve problems with the IRS, makes administrative and legislative recommendations to prevent or correct the problems, and protects taxpayer rights. TAS helps all taxpayers (and their representatives), including individuals, businesses, and exempt organizations. You may be eligible for free TAS help if your IRS problem is causing financial difficulty, if you’ve tried and been unable to resolve your issue with the IRS, or if you believe an IRS system, process, or procedure just isn’t working as it should.

TAS has offices in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. To find your local advocate’s number:

Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) assist individuals whose income is below a certain level who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS. They also provide education, outreach, and information on taxpayer rights to individuals who speak English as a second language. LITCs represent taxpayers in disputes before the IRS and courts and help taxpayers respond to IRS notices and correct account problems. Services are offered for free or a small fee. LITCs are independent from the IRS and TAS. For more information or to find an LITC near you, see the LITC Page or Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List. You can also request Pub. 4134 by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

View our Interactive Tax Map

Let us help you navigate your way through the IRS. Visit our interactive tax map to see where you are in the tax process.

Taxpayer Roadmap
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Did you know there is a Taxpayer Bill of Rights?

The taxpayer Bill of Rights is grouped into 10 easy to understand categories outlining the taxpayer rights and protections embedded in the tax code.

It is also what guides the advocacy work we do for taxpayers.

Read more about your rights