IRS e-file

E-file is a system for submitting <a href="/facts/Tax/8cXNkA00">tax</a> documents to the US <a href="/facts/Internal_Revenue_Service/GBdRoslU">Internal Revenue Service</a> through the <a href="/facts/Internet/Xw1rVvJU">Internet</a> or direct connection, usually without the need to submit any paper documents. Tax preparation software with e-filing capabilities includes stand-alone programs or websites. Tax professionals use tax preparation software from major software vendors for commercial use.
Of the 139.3 million US returns filed in 2007, 79.98 million (or about 57.4 percent) were filed electronically. In 2010, a total of 129.3 million US returns were filed, and 93.4 million were filed electronically: in three years the percentage of returns filed electronically increased to 72.3 percent of total returns. In 2018, 89% of tax returns were filed electronically.
Taxpayers can e-file free using the <a href="/facts/IRS_Free_File/Y4vSYVfV">IRS Free File</a> service, either using an authorized IRS e-file provider's tax software, if eligible, or by using online <a href="/facts/Free_File_Fillable_Forms/Y4vSYVfV">Free File Fillable Forms</a> from the <a href="/facts/Free_File_Alliance/MIb4yKXl">Free File Alliance</a>. Prior to 2020, the use of a third party was required for IRS e-file, and it was not possible to e-file directly through the IRS website. 
In 2020, the IRS made direct e-filing possible through IRS Free File Fillable Forms available to taxpayers of any income level. The <a href="/facts/Republican_Party_(United_States)/XXM1EVPr">Republican Party</a> and commercial <a href="/facts/Tax_preparation_in_the_United_States/z4uPYXuH">tax preparation</a> companies have criticized this free electronic tax filing system and sought end it.

IRS e-file open-in-new

IRS e-file