The Best Way to Pay Your Taxes Online (2026)

Paying US federal and state taxes online can be confusing, and one wrong move can result in penalties or extra money owed. We break it down so you can have the most worry-free tax filing possible. Molly HigginsGearFeb 17, 2026 7:06 PMHow to Pay Your Taxes OnlinePaying US federal and state taxes online can be confusing, and one wrong move can result in penalties or extra money owed. We break it down so you can have the most worry-free tax filing possible.Photo-Illustration: WIRED Staff; Getty ImagesCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyThe old adage is true: The only things you can't escape in life are death and taxes. In the US, state requirements vary by a multitude of factors, and the federal government's tax code is arcane. The process can be as confusing as it is inescapable.I’ve researched and compiled all the information you need to prepare for the upcoming tax season. I've found answers to the most common tax-related questions, collected advice on filing for a small business or LLC, and identified ways to get more money on your return. I've also written a guide to the Best Tax Services, if you want to see how some of the most popular tax services stack up. This year, I filed with H&R Block, so I'll be using them as my example throughout.Here’s our guide on how to pay taxes online to get a maximum benefit and minimum headache this year.Updated February 2026: I added my own experience filing with H&R Block, updated links and information for 2025 filing, and added more helpful tax filing content throughout.Jump to SectionAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWhen Are Taxes Due for 2025?When Can I Start Filing Taxes?What You'll Need to Self-FileFiling Your Taxes Online for Free With the IRSMy Tax Filing ExperienceDo You Need Extra Assistance?How to File Taxes for an LLC or Small BusinessHow to File a Tax ExtensionWhat Happens if You Miss the Deadline?How Long Does It Take to Get a Tax Refund?Where’s My Tax Refund?What Are the Tax Brackets for 2025?When Are 2025 Taxes Due?Let’s start with the basics. Generally, your return is due on or before the 15th day of the fourth month after the close of the fiscal year. This is typically April 15. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, it’s moved to the next business day. But taxes for most Americans are normally due April 15, and this year is no different. Your 2025 taxes must be filed by Wednesday, April 15, 2026.When Can I Start Filing Taxes?Tax season technically starts when the IRS begins accepting returns in late January. Employers are required to give their employees W-2 forms by the end of January, so this is when the majority of Americans will receive the necessary paperwork to begin filing. This year, January 26 was the official start date of the 2025 tax season. Although it’s largely dependent on when you actually get the necessary paperwork, early filing is recommended to avoid potential issues and stress. Filing early also reduces your chance of falling prey to identity theft, where somebody poses as you to collect your tax refund. As a general rule for most things, it’s better to get an early start than get left behind.What You’ll Need to Self-FileBe sure to gather all tax documents, including W-2s or income reports, last year's tax return, health insurance information, education-related tax documents, and any other tax or financial documents relating to purchases or payments on motor vehicles or property. I also had receipts for transactions related to my career on hand for expensing purposes. If you are using a new service this year, you’ll also want last year’s return in order to transfer any relevant information.Filing Your Taxes Online for Free With the IRSOne of the most straightforward ways to file your federal taxes is with the IRS Free Filing Tool. It’s a service offered directly through the IRS; it doesn't use a third-party tax service. Anyone with an adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less in 2025 is qualified to use the free service.To start, you’ll need to choose the “Free File” option from IRS.gov. From there, IRS Free File will send you to an IRS partner’s website to complete your return. These partners are software companies that are members of the nonprofit Free File Alliance, a coalition of companies that offer tax software services to US citizens free of charge. This year, the partners are: FreeTaxUSA, ezTaxReturn.com, 1040NOW.NET, 1040.com, TaxAct, FileYourTaxes.com, Online Taxes at OLT.com, and TaxSlayer. Learn more about providers and qualifications to file here.This is a good option if your income falls within the qualification guidelines and your return is relatively straightforward, since this free service only has the most commonly filed forms. You’ll need to have documents ready, like a copy of last year's tax return, your social security number, and any W-2s. Once you’ve filed your federal tax return, you can check your online account for updates, and you’ll receive an email when the IRS has accepted your return.The IRS website has a helpful step-by-step guide to walk you through the process, and even has IRS