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
~21sQuick 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
~21sWarning
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
~17sReview and check for errors
~16sSubmit and track your refund
~17sYou Did It!
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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 — usually 10–21 days after the IRS accepts your return.
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