Money & Banking

Beginner

4 min read 5 stepsApril 20, 2026Verified April 2026

How to File Your Taxes Online with TurboTax or H&R Block

What to gather before you start, how to walk through TurboTax or H&R Block's online software, and what the program does automatically so you do not have to.

At a Glance

Gather your documents before starting

~21s

Collect your Social Security number, W-2 forms from any employers, 1099 forms (from your bank, investment accounts, or Social Security — form SSA-1099), and any records of deductible expenses. Having these ready before you begin saves you from stopping mid-way.

Quick Tip

Your Social Security benefit statement (form SSA-1099) arrives in the mail every January. If you lost yours, you can download a replacement at ssa.gov/myaccount.

Choose your software and create an account

~21s

Go to turbotax.intuit.com or hrblock.com and select the free or appropriate paid version. Create an account with your email address. If you filed with the same software last year, log into your existing account — it may pre-fill information from last year's return.

Warning

Be careful of look-alike websites. Always type the address directly into your browser rather than clicking an email link.

Answer questions one section at a time

~17s

Both programs use a question-and-answer format. You will go through sections for personal information, income, deductions, and credits. Answer each question as accurately as you can. If you are unsure about a question, both programs have a "?" help button that explains what is being asked.

Review and check for errors

~16s

Before submitting, both programs run a review that flags common errors or missing information. Review every flagged item. Make sure your name, Social Security number, and bank routing number (for direct deposit) are correct — errors in these fields are the most common cause of refund delays.

Submit and track your refund

~18s

Once satisfied, click the submit or file button. The program transmits your return electronically to the IRS (and your state). You will receive a confirmation email. Track your refund status at irs.gov/refunds using the "Where's My Refund?" tool — you need your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount.

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Filing your taxes online with software like TurboTax or H&R Block is much more manageable than it sounds. Both programs walk you through your return one question at a time — you answer questions in plain English, and the software does the math, finds deductions, and fills out the actual tax forms for you.

Free filing options

The IRS offers a program called Free File (irs.gov/freefile) for households with income under $79,000. TurboTax Free Edition and H&R Block Free Online both handle simple returns (W-2 income, standard deduction) at no cost. If your taxes are more complex — retirement income, investment sales, self-employment — you may need a paid tier.

Seniors 60 and older can also file for free through AARP Tax-Aide (aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide), a volunteer program that provides free tax preparation help at thousands of locations or virtually by appointment.

What the software does for you

Automatically imports your W-2 or 1099 forms from many employers and financial institutions
Calculates your standard deduction vs. whether itemizing saves you more money
Checks for common deductions and credits (medical expenses, charitable donations, retirement contributions)
Flags potential errors before you submit
Files electronically with the IRS and your state, with direct deposit for your refund

What you need to gather

Before starting, collect: your Social Security number and those of any dependents, all W-2 forms (from employers), 1099 forms (from banks, investment accounts, Social Security), last year's tax return (helps pre-fill some fields), and records of deductible expenses if you itemize.

Quick Tip: E-filing with direct deposit is the fastest way to receive a refund — typically 10–21 days after the IRS accepts your return.

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Official Resources

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