IRS — Federal Tax Returns eFile Information

Tax Tip

Overview

E-file your federal tax return or file for an extension without sending any paper forms to the IRS.
Pay your taxes through electronic funds withdrawal, with a credit card or by enrolling in the U.S. Treasury's Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS).

More Americans choose to e-file their federal tax returns every year. A total of 73 million federal tax returns were e-filed in 2006 — 20 million of those were from home computers.

What is e-filing?

E-filing (electronic filing) is a method of transmitting your federal tax return directly to the IRS electronically. You can complete your taxes or file for an extension without sending any paper forms to the IRS. E-filing offers speed, security and accuracy, and helps you get your refund faster. The average refund for an e-filed federal tax return is received within 10 days. The average refund for a traditional return is received in 6 to 8 weeks.

Electronic Payment Options

In addition to e-filing your federal tax return, you can electronically pay any taxes you might owe the IRS. Authorize an electronic funds withdrawal, pay with a credit card or enroll in the U.S. Treasury's Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS).

Check your e-file status.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Can I e-file my state tax return?
Answer: Yes. You can e-file any state tax return if the state accepts electronic returns and you meet its requirements for e-filing.

Question: Can I file an Amended Return (Form 1040X) electronically?
Answer: No, the IRS doesn't accept Form 1040X electronically. However, you can work with an H&R Block tax professional to file an amended return.

Question: Once my e-filed return has been entered and accepted, do I have to mail anything?
Answer: If you work with an H&R Block tax professional, he or she will tell you what you need to mail. If you e-file your own return, we'll provide mailing instructions with your printed return. If you prepared your return using a commercial tax preparation program, the program should provide the information you need.

More E-file FAQs

Related IRS Forms & Publications

Form 8453 - U.S. Individual Income Tax Declaration for Electronic Filing
Form 8453-C - U.S. Corporation Income Tax Declaration for an IRS E-file Return
Form 8453-F - U.S. Estate or Trust Income Tax Declaration and Signature for Electronic and Magnetic Media Filing
Form 8453-OL - U.S. Individual Income Tax Declaration for Online Services Electronic Filing
Form 8453-P - U.S. Partnership Declaration and Signature for Electronic Filing
Form 8453-S - S Corporation Declaration and Signature for Electronic Filing
Form 8878 - IRS E-file Signature Authorization-Application for Extension of Time to File
Form 8878 (SP) - IRS E-file Signature Authorization-Application for Extension of Time to File (Spanish version)
Form 8879 - IRS E-file Signature Authorization
Form 8879 (SP) - IRS E-file Signature Authorization (Spanish Version)
Publication 966 - Electronic Choices to Pay All Your Federal Taxes (EFTPS)
Publication 3611 - IRS E-file Electronic Payment Options