Taxpayers can still file their federal income tax return, make payments, request direct deposit of any refund, or seek filing extension ahead of the April 15, 2025, deadline, according to the IRS. (IR 2025-42, 4/8/2025)
The IRS is urging taxpayers to use free electronic filing options because it prevents many tax return errors, with the tax software doing calculations, identifying common errors and prompting taxpayers for missing information. Refunds and extensions can also be filed electronically.
Free electronic filing services.
Depending on their eligibility, taxpayers can use the following options to file for their taxes:
Free File Fillable Forms. The electronic versions of IRS paper forms for people who are comfortable using IRS forms and instructions to prepare their own taxes. It is part of the IRS Free File program.
Direct File. An online option for taxpayers who lived and worked in one of 25 participating states for all of 2024.
VITA and TCE. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs help taxpayers who generally make $67,000 or less, persons with disabilities, limited English-speaking taxpayers, and those who are 60 years of age and older find one-on-one tax preparation assistance for free.
MilTax. A Department of Defense-backed tax resource that is free and available to military members, as well as qualifying veterans and family members. The option covers tax preparation and electronic filing software, personalized support from tax consultants and current information about filing taxes.
Tax payment options.
The IRS is offering payment options for individuals whether they pay in full or not:
Paying taxes in full. Taxpayers can make payments through Direct Pay, IRS Individual Online Account, debit card, credit card or digital wallet, Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, Electronic funds withdrawal, check or money order, and cash. For more information about tax payments, visit the IRS’ Make a Payment page.
Can’t pay in full by deadline. Taxpayers who can’t pay in full by the filing deadline can apply for short- or long-term payment plans. However, interest and late-payment penalties continue to accrue on any unpaid balance after the April 15 due date.
Tax refunds.
Taxpayers can use the Where’s My Refund? tool to check refund status within 24 hours after a taxpayer electronically files a current year return.
The tool provides information about a refund for the current year and the past two years. It is available 24/7 and updates once a day. Taxpayers need to provide their Social Security number, filing status and exact refund amount to use the Tool.
For taxpayers filing paper returns, their refund status will be available after four weeks.
Filing extensions.
Taxpayers unable to file their tax return by April 15 must request extension by using IRS Free File, making an electronic payment, or mailing Form 4868 by the tax deadline.
Note. The six-month extension to October 15, 2025, is only for filing a tax return. Taxpayers still need to pay their taxes by the due date.
Individuals living outside the United States or in certain disaster areas, and military members serving in a combat zone or qualified hazardous duty areas are encouraged to check if they qualify for special tax deadlines and automatic tax-filing extensions.
For additional resources and practical tips, taxpayers can visit the IRS’ Let us help you page.
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