The IRS website has a helpful step-by-step guide to guide you through the process, and there are also IRS-certified volunteers to assist with your taxes if you have a disability or speak limited English.
Since the IRS Free Filing tool is only for federal taxes, you’ll also need to check your specific state’s tax-filing requirements. The IRS website has a list of resources listed by state, including information on taxation, links to employers, information on doing business in the state, and more. Although this list has not been updated since 2023, it is a good starting point to find tax resources and forms specific to your state.
if you make over $89,000 Or your taxes are a little more complex—for example if you own a small business—then the IRS Free Filing tool won’t work. You will need to do a little research to compare and see which is the best tax service for your needs.
Like I said, this year I went with the H&R Block DIY, which is self-guided and free. This is a good option for someone like me, who has simple taxes and wants to self-file from home. (Read my full review for a more in-depth look at the service.)
H&R Block has been a trusted tax service provider for over 70 years, and features easy-to-use online tax services as well as the classic personal assistance of a tax expert. H&R Block provides user-friendly and holistic services on an as-needed basis, including online work itself; Help, where you do the DIY and a tax pro reviews it and files for you; And full-service tax preparation from H&R Block Tax Pro.
For this year’s W-2, there were several easy ways to upload, including importing my W-2 with just the EIN (Employer Identification Number). Since my employer provided one, it was able to auto-sync my payroll information, saving me time by auto-filling and importing information. You can also enter information from the form manually; Snap a photo and upload it to the portal, where the details will be filled in for you; Or upload a PDF, where the information will also be auto-filled.
H&R Block provided sidebars of thorough supplemental information that helped me understand the process. Also, the file upload options saved me a lot of time. I also appreciated the free AI tax assistance, which provided additional assistance with questions, and the live tax pro support available to ensure I was getting the best possible return. WIRED also offers H&R Block coupons to save money if you decide to adopt this service.
If you have a complex tax situation, or you just want peace of mind, many of these services offer in-person or virtual assistance from a tax expert, whose questionable credentials can range from a certified CPA to someone who has completed hours of training. Most services have a tiered system, ranging from using tax online software completely to delegating your taxes to an expert who is helpful in adjusting services based on your individual needs.
For example, H&R Block has several different options for filing available, as well as expert assistance tailored to unique tax situations (if you choose this service) to ensure you’re getting the most money back. If you have a more complex tax situation (as I did last year), or are a new filer who is a little unsure, you may want to go with H&R Block Assisted. With this service, you can get the filing done in as little as an hour. There are options to drop off your taxes or meet with a tax expert virtually or in person. H&R Block has more than 60,000 corporate tax professionals, and 9,000 offices in every state (and within 5 miles of most Americans).
How to File Taxes for an LLC or Small Business
Tax filing for small businesses or LLCs is a little tricky, and that’s where one of the above tax services – with advanced programs and expert help – can save you a lot of headaches. Generally, the IRS treats an LLC as part of a corporation, partnership or owner’s tax return. For income tax purposes, an LLC with only one member is treated separate from its owner, and is taxed on net earnings from self-employment.
If the LLC is a partnership, normal partnership tax rules apply, and all partners must file Form 1065, U.S. Return of Partnership Income. Each owner must show his or her share of partnership income, deductions, credits, and more. If the LLC is a corporation, corporate tax rules apply, and it must file Form 1120, US Corporation Income Tax Return.
How to file a tax extension
Okay, so you didn’t file early. We’re going to be procrastinating here for a long time, we understand. If you can’t file on time, you should file an extension by the tax deadline. This will push back your tax filing deadlines and save you from potential penalties for not filing.
If you file an extension by Tax Day (April 15, 2026), it moves your filing deadline to six months later: October 15, 2026. But remember, extending the time to file your returns does not mean that the time to pay your taxes will also be extended. If you fail to pay your taxes by April 15 — even if you’re granted an extension — you may be asked to pay a penalty as well as interest on any unpaid balance.
What happens if you miss the deadline?
This may result in penalties and interest, but if you file as soon as possible, you can reduce these penalties. If you can’t pay the full amount, you can set up a payment plan with the IRS to make payments in increments throughout the year. If you forgot or simply didn’t apply for an extension (and the tax is due), you may face a late filing penalty of a maximum of 5 percent of the unpaid tax (4.5 percent for late filing and 0.5 percent for late payment). This penalty is imposed per month, And it will continue to accumulate every month until it reaches 25 percent of the unpaid tax at the time of filing. Government also charges interest On the unpaid amount, which varies depending on the amount and time outstanding. To prevent underpayment interest from accruing daily, you must pay your balance in full.
How long does it take to get a tax refund?
The IRS usually issues your refund within 21 days of receiving your e-filed federal return if there are no errors or problems. If you go the old-fashioned way and file a paper federal return, it usually takes twice as long, about six to eight weeks, to get a refund. Timelines for receiving state refunds vary from state to state, but electronic filing usually results in a faster refund than paper filing. In many cases, you can receive a refund in about five business days if you file state taxes electronically, and in about four weeks if mailed.
Where’s my tax refund?
When you file your federal income tax return, you can check the status of your tax refund on the IRS website or its mobile app, IRS2Go. Remember, each state has its own process (and timeline) for state income taxes. Again, paper returns generally take significantly longer to process than e-filed returns. Each state uses slightly different systems to let people check their tax return status. Generally, you will need two pieces of information to check your refund.
To check your status, you will need your Social Security Number (SSN). (If you don’t have an SSN, most states allow you to use a slightly different type of ID, such as an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or ITIN.) In almost every state, you must also provide the amount of your refund. Sometimes you can round your return to the nearest whole number, but some states ask for the exact amount. Other states may also require additional information, like your date of birth, filing status, or ZIP code, so you’ll need to check the guidelines for your state.
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