File your tax return by gathering documents, choosing a filing method, completing the right form, and sending it to the IRS before the deadline

You file a tax return by collecting your income documents, selecting whether to file on paper or electronically, filling out the correct IRS form, and submitting it by April 15 (or the next business day if that falls on a weekend). The IRS accepts returns by mail, through tax software, or with help from a tax professional. Most people file electronically because it is faster and the IRS processes it more quickly — refunds typically arrive within 21 days for e-filed returns versus several weeks for paper returns.

The form you use depends on your income type and life situation. Most people use Form 1040, the standard individual income tax return. If you have self-employment income, you will also file Schedule C. If you have investment income, you may need Schedule D. The IRS website and most tax software walk you through which forms apply to you based on questions about your income and deductions.

Key Takeaways

  • Gather your W-2s from employers, 1099s from other income sources, and receipts for deductions before you start filling out any form.
  • The IRS deadline is April 15 each year; filing electronically is faster and refunds arrive sooner than paper returns.
  • You can file on your own using free or paid tax software, file by mail with paper forms, or pay a tax professional to file for you.
  • If you owe money, you can pay when you file or set up a payment plan with the IRS; if you are owed a refund, the IRS sends it to your bank account or by check.

Gather your income and deduction documents before you start

Before you open a tax form or software, collect every document showing money you earned or spent. Your employer sends you a W-2 by January 31 showing wages and taxes withheld. If you earned income outside an employer relationship — freelance work, rental income, investment dividends — you will receive a 1099 form specific to that income type. Keep these documents in one place.

Next, gather receipts and records for deductions you plan to claim. If you own a home, collect mortgage interest statements and property tax bills. If you donate to charity, keep receipts. If you have medical expenses, gather those records. If you are self-employed, collect invoices and receipts showing business expenses. The IRS does not require you to send receipts with your return, but you must keep them for your records in case of an audit.

If you are unsure whether something counts as deductible, the IRS website has a searchable database of deductions by category. Many people use the standard deduction instead of itemizing — the IRS sets a flat amount you can deduct based on your filing status, and you do not need receipts for it. For 2024, the standard deduction ranges from $14,600 for single filers to $29,200 for married couples filing jointly, though these amounts change yearly.

Decide whether to file electronically, by mail, or with a professional

Electronic filing through tax software is the fastest route for most people. The IRS offers free e-file options through its Free File program if your income is below a certain threshold — check IRS.gov to see if you may have access to. Paid software like TurboTax, H&R Block, and TaxAct walks you through each question, calculates your return, and submits it electronically. The software flags common errors before you submit, reducing the chance of rejection.

Filing by mail means printing the forms, filling them out by hand or on your computer, and mailing them to the IRS address listed in the form instructions. This takes longer — the IRS processes paper returns in the order received, and it can take several weeks to several months for them to process your return and send a refund. You also lose the error-checking that software provides, so mistakes are more likely.

Hiring a tax professional — a CPA, enrolled agent, or tax preparer — means someone else fills out your forms and files on your behalf. This costs money, usually $150 to $500 depending on how complex your return is, but it is useful if you have self-employment income, rental property, investments, or a major life change like marriage or a home purchase. The professional can also answer questions about deductions you might miss on your own.

Complete your tax form or software questionnaire

If you are using software, you will answer questions about your personal information, income sources, and deductions. The software builds your return as you go and shows you running totals of what you owe or what you will receive as a refund. Most software lets you save your progress and come back later, so you do not have to finish in one sitting.

If you are filing by mail with paper forms, start with Form 1040. Fill in your name, address, and Social Security number at the top. Enter your income from all sources — wages from W-2s, self-employment income, investment income, and any other earnings. Subtract deductions (either the standard deduction or itemized deductions if you have receipts). The result is your taxable income. Multiply that by the tax rate for your income level to find your tax liability. Subtract any taxes already withheld from your paychecks or paid through estimated tax payments. The final number is either what you owe or what the IRS owes you.

If you have income types beyond wages, you will attach additional schedules to Form 1040. Schedule C is for self-employment income. Schedule D is for capital gains and losses from investments. Schedule A is for itemized deductions. The instructions for each form tell you which schedules to include based on your situation.

Submit your return and choose how to receive your refund

If you are filing electronically, the software will guide you through submission. You will review your return one final time, agree that the information is correct, and authorize the software to send it to the IRS. The IRS assigns your return a confirmation number — save this for your records.

If you are mailing a paper return, print all forms and schedules, sign and date them, and mail them to the address shown in the form instructions. The address varies by state. Include a check if you owe money, made out to "United States Treasury." Mail it early enough that it arrives before April 15 — the postmark date is what counts, not the arrival date, but mailing early removes the risk of delays.

For your refund, choose direct deposit to your bank account — it is faster and safer than a check. Provide your routing number and account number when you file. The IRS deposits refunds within 21 days for e-filed returns and longer for paper returns. If you are owed money but also owe back taxes or student loans, the IRS may offset your refund to pay those debts.

Pay what you owe or set up a payment plan

If your return shows you owe money, you can pay when you file. Most tax software accepts credit card, debit card, or bank transfer. If you file by mail, include a check. Pay by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest.

If you cannot pay the full amount by the deadline, you can request a payment plan from the IRS. Short-term plans (120 days or less) are free. Long-term installment agreements charge a setup fee and monthly interest, but they let you spread payments over months or years. You can request a plan online through IRS.gov, by phone at 1-800-829-1040, or by mail with your return. The IRS will tell you the monthly payment amount and due dates.

Track your return and understand what happens next

After you file, the IRS processes your return and either sends you a refund or bills you for what you owe. You can check the status of your return using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov. It updates once a day and shows whether the IRS has received your return, is processing it, or has issued your refund.

Keep a copy of your filed return and all supporting documents for at least three years. The IRS can audit a return up to three years after filing, and you will need these records to prove your income and deductions if that happens. If you file electronically, save your confirmation number and the software's copy of your return.

If the IRS finds an error on your return or needs more information, they will mail you a notice. Do not ignore it. The notice will explain what they found and what you need to do — usually provide additional documentation or agree to a change. Respond within the timeframe shown on the notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I miss the April 15 deadline?

File as soon as you can. The IRS charges penalties and interest on unpaid taxes, but these accrue from April 15 regardless of when you file. If you are owed a refund, there is no penalty for filing late — you just receive your refund later. You can request an extension to October 15, but this extends only the filing deadline, not the payment deadline; taxes owed are still due April 15.

Do I have to file if I did not earn much money?

It depends on your income and filing status. The IRS sets a threshold below which you do not have to file. For 2024, a single person under 65 does not have to file if their income was below $14,600. If you earned less but had taxes withheld from paychecks, you should still file to get a refund of those taxes. Check IRS.gov for the threshold that applies to your situation.

Can I file my return myself or do I need a professional?

Most people can file their own return using free or paid tax software. Software is designed for people without tax training and walks you through each step. You need a professional if you have a complex situation — self-employment income, rental property, significant investments, or a business — or if you simply prefer to have someone else handle it.

What if I owe money and cannot pay it all at once?

Request a payment plan from the IRS. Short-term plans under 120 days are free. Longer plans charge a setup fee and monthly interest but let you pay over time. You can request a plan online, by phone, or by mail with your return.

How long does it take to get a refund?

The IRS typically issues refunds within 21 days for e-filed returns and longer for paper returns — sometimes several weeks to several months depending on how busy they are. Direct deposit is faster than a mailed check. You can track your refund status using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on their website.