IRS Direct File for free | Internal Revenue Service (original) (raw)

You can confirm the IRS accepted your return. You can also view and download it.

Access your Direct File account and download your return

1. Go to Direct File and click the Sign-in button.
2. Select Review to go to your submission details.
3. Scroll down and select Download my 2023 federal tax return submission.
4. Print and save the Form 1040 PDF file.

If the IRS accepted your Direct File return

Check your refund or view your balance due in your online account.

​​​​If the IRS rejected your Direct File return

Your Direct File return is not filed if you received an email that the IRS rejected it.

You still need to file your return.

You can’t resubmit a return with Direct File or use guided tax software this year.

To file your return, you can:

• Check if you qualify for free tax help from IRS-certified volunteers
• Find a tax preparer near you
• File by paper

To file by paper

1. Sign in to Direct File and download your return
2. Review the error. Make sure your personal and employment information is correct.
3. File a paper Form 1040.
4. Mail your return to the IRS and attach a copy of the IRS Direct File rejection email.

If you filed a state return for Arizona, California, New York or Massachusetts

Contact your state tax authority if you used a state-supported tool to prepare and file your state tax return.

If you didn’t file your 2023 taxes yet

You can e-file through October 15, 2024. If you attempted to file electronically, follow these correction procedures if it was rejected.

Pay any tax you owe as soon as possible to avoid penalties and interest.

If you don’t usually file

Consider filing your taxes anyway. You could get money back if you:

• Qualify for a refundable tax credit
• Had federal income tax withheld from your pay
• Paid estimated taxes

If you receive an IRS letter about your 2023 taxes

We send notices and letters to ask about your return, alert you about a change to your account or request payment. Reply only if we ask you to or if you don’t agree.

If you received a CP303 Notice after you used Direct File, you don't need to do anything. If you didn’t sign in to Direct File and received this notice, call the number on your notice.

If you find a mistake after you file your taxes

If you made math errors, you generally don’t have to amend a return. We’ll correct those errors and mail you a notice.

If you made other errors, you may want to file an amended return. You can’t use Direct File to file an amended return. Check if you qualify for free tax help from IRS-certified volunteers.

About the IRS Direct File pilot

On May 3, 2024, the IRS released Publication 5969, IRS Direct File Pilot Program: Filing Season 2024 After Action Report PDF. The report examines the Direct File pilot in detail: the pilot itself, the technology and taxpayer experience, Direct File’s innovative customer support system, integration with state tax systems, and the pilot’s cost and benefits.