Ways to file your taxes or extension online
E-filing is faster, confirms receipt within a day or two, and gets refunds to you sooner than paper. Here are your options, from free to full-service.
Reviewed October 30, 2026 against IRS.gov guidance. How we check facts.
Free options from the IRS
- IRS Free File: guided software from IRS partner companies. Extensions through Free File are available to everyone; free preparation of the full return has income limits each year.
- Free File Fillable Forms: electronic versions of IRS paper forms with basic math. No income limit, but no guidance. Best if you already know which forms you need.
Paying online, which can also count as your extension
If you pay through any of these and choose “extension” as the reason, the IRS treats the payment as your Form 4868:
- IRS Direct Pay: free payments from a checking or savings account.
- IRS Online Account: pay, and see your balance and payment history.
- EFTPS: the Treasury’s payment system, if you’re already enrolled.
- Debit or credit card and digital wallets: through IRS-approved processors, which charge a fee.
Paid tax software
Commercial software walks you through the return with questions, handles more complex situations such as self-employment or rental income, and e-files both the extension and the return. Prices vary by edition and often rise close to the deadline. See options that file extensions.
A tax professional
CPAs, enrolled agents and other paid preparers can e-file your extension and return, and can represent you with the IRS. Check a preparer’s credentials with the IRS directory of federal tax return preparers.