IR-2025-42, April 8, 2025
WASHINGTON — With the April 15 tax deadline fast approaching, Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers there is still time to file their federal income tax return electronically and request direct deposit of any refund.
Filing electronically reduces tax return errors as tax software does the calculations, flags common errors and prompts taxpayers for missing information. Most taxpayers qualify for electronic filing at no cost and, when they choose direct deposit, usually receive their refund within 21 days.
Taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less in 2024 can use IRS Free File guided tax software now through Oct 15. IRS Free File 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 25 states to file their 2024 federal tax returns online, for free, directly with the IRS. Go to the Direct File website for more information about Direct File eligibility and the 25 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.
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.
The Where's My Refund? tool usually shows a refund status within 24 hours after a taxpayer e-files a current year return. It takes about four weeks for the same information to be available for those filing paper returns.
Taxpayers can get their refund information for the current year and past two years. The tool is available 24/7, and is a fast, easy way to get information about a refund without needing to call the IRS. To use the tool, taxpayers need their Social Security number, filing status and exact refund amount. The tool updates once a day, so people don't need to check more often.
Taxpayers can also check Where's My Refund? by downloading the IRS free mobile app, IRS2Go, from an iPhone or Android device.
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 April 15.
The IRS offers various options for taxpayers who are making tax payments:
Taxpayers who can’t pay in full by the tax deadline should pay what they can now and apply for an online payment plan. Applicants that apply online will know immediately if their request for a payment plan is accepted or denied without calling or writing to the IRS.
Online payment plan options include:
Though interest and late-payment penalties continue to accrue on any unpaid taxes after April 15, the failure to pay penalty is cut in half while an installment agreement is in effect. Find more information about the costs of payment plans on the IRS Additional information on payment plans webpage.
Individuals unable to file their tax return by the tax deadline can apply for a tax-filing extension in the following ways:
Things taxpayers should know when requesting a tax-filing extension, including:
Taxpayers can visit IRS.gov 24 hours a day for answers to tax questions, more tips and resources by visiting the Let us help you page.