Guide to File and Pay Your 2024 Taxes Online.

With the end of the festivities and the arrival of a new year, many of us face the task of filing our annual taxes. This year, the deadline to submit our tax returns is April 15, although there are exceptions. For example, those residing in California in areas affected by wildfires can request an extension until October 15.

Despite the stress that tax season brings, it is advisable not to panic, as there are resources available to facilitate tax preparation. It is recommended to start the process as early as possible to avoid any last-minute setbacks. Whether you are a full-time employee with a single W-2 or a self-employed worker receiving multiple 1099s, the most efficient way to meet our tax obligations is through online platforms.

A positive update is that if you reside and work in one of the 25 states, you can now take advantage of the IRS Direct File program, which allows for a simpler calculation of your taxes.

Firstly, the IRS offers a series of guides on its website to help U.S. citizens calculate, file, and pay their taxes using the e-file method. If you wish to use the Direct File program, this is a free filing software that requires you to have resided and worked during 2024 in one of the following states:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• California
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Kansas
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Washington
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

The Direct File program is for simple tax cases and has certain limitations, such as not being suitable for those who are self-employed or earn income from the informal economy. Those interested in checking their eligibility can do so through a questionnaire available on the program's page.

Another option is the Free File program, which allows those with an adjusted gross income of up to $84,000 to use tax filing software from "trusted partners" chosen by the IRS. When accessing IRS Free File, you will need to answer some questions to determine your eligibility.

Interested parties will notice the absence of Intuit and H&R Block in this program, as they withdrew following the IRS announcement regarding Direct File. However, H&R Block does offer a limited option for free filing.

If your income exceeds $84,000, you can also opt for fillable forms through IRS Free File, although without the support of free software and no option to file state taxes.

For those who need assistance, the IRS has the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to help with tax preparation, aimed at individuals with incomes of $67,000 or less, disabled individuals, or those with limited English proficiency. Additionally, there is a tax counseling program for seniors over 60 years old, known as TCE. The IRS website provides tools to locate these services.

If you decide to hire a tax preparer, make sure they are authorized to use the e-file system. If you do not have a tax professional, you can find one on the IRS website.

Making tax payments online simplifies the process significantly. The IRS offers various payment methods, such as Direct Pay, which allows personal tax payments to be made directly from your bank account without additional charges. Alternatively, payments can be made using a credit or debit card, though this incurs a fee.

If you do not have the necessary funds to cover your taxes, the IRS offers the option to set up a payment plan, which you can manage online if you meet the requirements. For those who owe less than $100,000 and can pay within 180 days, there is a short-term payment plan, while for debts up to $50,000, a long-term payment plan with setup fees is available.

If you file your return through the online service, you will generally receive your refund in less than 21 days, unlike paper filings, which can take over four weeks. Once you submit your return, you can check the status of your refund online.

If you find yourself unable to file your taxes by the due date due to personal or work-related circumstances, there is the option to request an extension.