How to archive and pay your taxes from 2024 online

The holiday is over, a new year is here, and together with all the different upheavals we are facing (including Some possible changes in tax law), most of us have to deal with our annual income taxes. Sorry for that.

Tax Day this year falls for most of us the traditional April 15. There are exceptions: for example, if you live in California and in an area that has been affected by fires, You are eligible for tax cut and an extended deadline on October 15th.

Despite the stress that many of us feel at the idea of ​​tackling our annual taxes, try not to worry – we will list some resources that are available so you can prepare your taxes. As always, it may not be a bad idea to start working on these taxes as soon as possible to avoid panic at the last minute. And whether you are a full-time worker dealing with a single W-2 or a freelancer / gig worker getting a series of 1099s is the fastest way to pay Piper these days to do it online.

On the positive side of the main book, if you live and work in one of 25 states, there is now a new way to find out your taxes: via IRS’s own Direct file program. We’ll get to it for a moment.

For starters, IRS offers a number of directions on its website To help us citizens decide what their taxes are, report these taxes and send payments (or ask for refund) using his e-file online method. Here is an overview of what is available and where you can find it, starting with how to fill your tax forms.

As mentioned above, the IRS has developed Direct fileits own free filing software. To use it, you must have lived and worked in one of 25 states throughout 2024:

Currently, the direct file pilot program is limited to fairly simple tax scenarios, although it allows for more than it did last year. For example, you cannot use it if you are self -employed, have any performance of financial income or specify your deductions. There are other restrictions as well, depending on what condition you live in. If you click “Check eligibility now” On the Direct File pageDo you want to be led to a multi -page questionnaire that will help you determine if you can archive using this program.

Try the free file program

If direct file does not work for you but your Adjusted gross income For 2024 was $ 84,000 or below you can use IRS Free File Setting. There are several of what IRS calls “trusted partners” to choose from. When you go to the IRS -Frigatis file, you get a number of questions to see if you qualify; If you do, please refer to a suitable partner.

You may notice the absence of two prominent tax software companies: Intuit, Maker of Turbotax and H&R Block. When IRS announced its intention to develop direct file, Intuit and H&R BLOCK pulled out of the free file program in protest (though H&R Block offers Its own limited free tax archiving).

If your income is over $ 84,000, you can still use fulfillable forms provided by the IRS -Free -File, but you will not get support from the free software and you cannot make your state taxes through this method. (If you really need to make your own taxes you can check IRS -side about tax tips.)

If you are not a professional to fill in taxes, either use e-file with one of the available software solutions or find a tax preparation that can do it for you. For those whose income is $ 67,000 or less that has disabilities or if English is limited, the IRS has a program called Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (Vita) to help with tax preparation. There is also tax advice for the elderly (TCE) for people who are 60 years or older. Go to Page describes these programs For more information. You can also use a Locator Tool To find providers of these programs near you. There is too Aarp Foundation Tax-Aide programwhich is available until April 15 and provides a variety of services, including coaching from a tax guide.

If you use a tax preparation, the person or company that makes your taxes must be approved to use e-file; If you don’t already have a tax person you can find one on The IRS website.

If you actually have to pay taxes it is much easier to do it online. The IRS lists a number of payment methods.

First you can use Direct salary to pay your annual taxes (using 1040 forms), quarterly estimated taxes or a number of other types of taxes; They are listed here. Direct salary is to pay personal taxes. If you pay Business Taxes you can do it through Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS). Be aware that according to the IRS, it can take up to five working days to treat a new EFTP’s registration.

Direct salary accepts Payments from your bank account without additional fees. You can also pay via a credit or debit card or a digital wallet such as PayPal or click to pay; However, there is a fee involved (as the IRS will not absorb what your credit card company charges for the service). At the time this was written, the IRS offered two services to choose from that can process these payments. If you pay by debit card, it costs $ 2.10 or $ 2.15. If you use a credit card, it costs you 2.89 or 2.95 percent of your payment amount.

If you owe treasure but simply do not have the funds available to pay them, you can Arrange a payment plan. You can even do it online – if you qualify.

Otherwise you can apply for a Monthly payment plan As you use by phone, mail or personally. This plan costs $ 107 if you accept an automatic monthly debit from a control account or $ 178 otherwise.

One of the ways that IRS is trying to convince you to archive online is to assure you that you get your refund faster – In less than 21 days In most cases, although there are exceptions. (If you archive via paper, it may take four weeks or more to process.) Once you have submitted you may Check status Of your refund online 24 hours after you have filed. You can too Download the official IRS2GO Mobile app that allows you to check the status of your refund, pay your taxes and get other information.

What if I come too late?

If you cannot make your taxes before the due date due to an emergency, job pressure, or because you simply postpone it too long, you can submit an extension. We have a separate article that tells you how to do it right here.