WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the July 15 tax-filing deadline quickly approaches, the Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers who have not yet filed their tax returns that IRS.gov has tools and services to help meet tax obligations.

IRS tax help is available 24 hours a day on IRS.gov. From filing a tax return to requesting an extension or making a payment, the IRS website can help last-minute filers on almost all tax-related issues.

Taxpayers can also use the Interactive Tax Assistant tool if they have any questions.

The IRS offers a range of expert help available through qualified tax professionals, including certified public accountants, enrolled agents, and attorneys. 

Prepare and file taxes for free

Taxpayers have several options for preparing and filing their tax returns:

• Taxpayers with income of $69,000 or less can use IRS Free File to find free tax preparation software.
• Taxpayers with incomes above $66,000 and comfortable doing their own taxes can use Free File Fillable Forms for free.
• Use commercial tax prep software to prepare and file taxes through IRS approved electronic channels.
• Use an authorized e-File provider accepted by our electronic filing program. Authorized IRS e-file providers are qualified to prepare, transmit and electronically file returns.
• Members of the military and qualified veterans can use MilTax, a free online tax service provided by the Department of Defense and Military OneSource.

Pay Easily

Taxpayers can file now and schedule their federal tax payments up to the July 15 due date. They can pay online using the IRS2Go app. When paying federal taxes electronically, taxpayers should remember:

• Electronic payment options are the optimal way to make a tax payment.
• They can pay when they file electronically using tax software online. If using a tax preparer, taxpayers should ask the preparer to make the tax payment through an electronic funds withdrawal from a bank account.
• IRS Direct Pay allows taxpayers to pay online directly from a checking or savings account for free and schedule payments up to 365 days in advance.
• Taxpayers can choose to pay with a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet option through a payment processor. The payment processor adds a fee; no fees go to the IRS.
• The IRS2Go app provides the mobile-friendly payment options, including Direct Pay and through payment providers.
• Taxpayers may also enroll in the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System and have a choice of paying online or by phone by using the EFTPS Voice Response System.

Receive refunds faster

Filing electronically and using direct deposit is the quickest way to receive a refund. And if you file this way you must know that:

• Nine out of 10 tax refunds are issued in 21 days or less.
• The best way to check on a refund is the “Where’s My Refund?” tool.
• The “Where’s My Refund?” tool available on IRS.gov and the IRS2Go mobile app.
• “Where’s My Refund?” is updated once a day, usually overnight.
•  Refunds can be divided into up to three accounts.

Delays for paper tax returns

The IRS is experiencing four- to six-week delays in processing paper tax returns due to limited staffing. Taxpayers should not file the same return again nor call the IRS if they filed a paper tax return and are experiencing a refund delay.

Get more time to file

Individual taxpayers can request a filing extension to Oct. 15 in the following ways:

• Filing Form 4868 through their tax professional, tax software or using the Free File link on IRS.gov.
• Submitting an electronic payment with Direct Pay, Electronic Federal Tax Payment System or by debit, credit card or digital wallet options and selecting Form 4868 or extension as the payment type. The automatic extension of time to file will process when taxpayers pay all or part of their taxes, electronically, by the July 15 due date. An extension to file is not an extension to pay. Taxes are still due by July 15.

Special rules may apply for military personnel if they are:

• Serving in a combat zone or a qualified hazardous duty area
• Living outside the United States

Get more time to pay

Through an installment agreement, qualified taxpayers can choose to pay any taxes owed overtime.

An online payment plan can quickly be set up. Interest and late-payment penalties continue to accumulate on unpaid taxes after July 15.

Payment options include:

• Short-term payment plan (paying within 120 days).
• Long-term payment plan (paying in more than 120 days).

A taxpayer’s specific tax situation will determine which payment options are available.

The IRS also has information for taxpayers who owe taxes, but cannot afford to pay the full amount.

For More help 

Taxpayers can go to IRS.gov/account to access information about their federal tax account. They can view the amount owed, access their tax records, review their payment history, and key tax return information for the most recent tax return as originally filed.

People who need professional help should visit this page on IRS.gov.