US Federal Tax Filing Online
File your federal and state tax returns with confidence using TaxMaker's free, IRS-compliant tax filing system. Our intelligent platform handles everything from simple W-2 returns to complex situations involving self-employment, investments, and rental properties.
Join millions of Americans who file their taxes online each year. Our step-by-step interview makes it easy to enter your information, claim all eligible deductions and credits, and maximize your refund. Best of all, filing your federal return is completely free.
Why File Your US Taxes with TaxMaker?
The US tax system can seem overwhelming with its various forms, schedules, and constantly changing rules. TaxMaker simplifies this complexity by guiding you through the entire process with clear, plain-language questions. You don't need to understand tax law—just answer questions about your year, and we handle all the calculations and form selection automatically.
Our tax engine is built using official IRS specifications and is updated each year to reflect the latest tax law changes. Whether you're a first-time filer or have been doing your taxes for decades, TaxMaker provides the accuracy of professional software without the professional price tag.
The Form 1040 is the standard IRS form for individual federal income tax returns. Whether you have W-2 income, freelance earnings, investment gains, or multiple income sources, our 1040 filing covers all common tax situations for individuals and families.
Filing Status Options:
- Single
- Married Filing Jointly
- Married Filing Separately
- Head of Household
- Qualifying Surviving Spouse
Supported Schedules:
- Schedule A (Itemized)
- Schedule B (Interest/Dividends)
- Schedule C (Business Income)
- Schedule D (Capital Gains)
- Schedule E (Rental/Royalties)
- Schedule SE (Self-Employment)
If you own a business, you may need to file a separate business tax return. TaxMaker supports all major business entity types including partnerships, S-Corporations, and C-Corporations, with automatic K-1 generation for partners and shareholders.
Supported Business Forms:
- Form 1065 - Partnership Returns (multi-member LLCs)
- Form 1120-S - S-Corporation Returns
- Form 1120 - C-Corporation Returns
- Schedule K-1 - Partner/Shareholder income statements
Business Tax Features:
- MACRS depreciation schedules
- Section 179 expense deductions
- QBI (Qualified Business Income) deduction
- Multi-state allocation support
W-2 Employment
Wages, salaries, tips, and bonuses from your employer. Includes multiple W-2s from different jobs.
1099 Income
Freelance work, contract jobs, gig economy earnings, and self-employment income reported on 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC.
Rental Property Income
Income from rental properties including residential, commercial, and vacation rentals. Schedule E support included.
Investment Income
Dividends, capital gains, interest, cryptocurrency, and stock sales. Supports 1099-B, 1099-DIV, and 1099-INT.
- Standard Deduction$14,600 single / $29,200 MFJ
The basic deduction available to all taxpayers who don't itemize.
- Student Loan InterestUp to $2,500
Deduction for interest paid on qualified education loans.
- Educator ExpensesUp to $300
For teachers who buy classroom supplies with their own money.
- IRA ContributionsUp to $7,000 ($8,000 if 50+)
Traditional IRA contributions may be tax-deductible.
- HSA Contributions$4,150 individual / $8,300 family
Health Savings Account contributions for those with high-deductible health plans.
- Self-Employment Tax50% deductible
Half of your self-employment tax can be deducted from income.
Education Credits
American Opportunity Tax Credit up to $2,500 and Lifetime Learning Credit up to $2,000 per return.
Child Tax Credit
Up to $2,000 per qualifying child under 17, with $1,700 potentially refundable.
Energy Credits
Credits for energy-efficient home improvements, solar panels, and insulation up to 30% of costs.
Clean Vehicle Credit
Up to $7,500 for new electric vehicles and $4,000 for used EVs meeting requirements.
| Tax Rate | Single Filers | Married Filing Jointly | Head of Household |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 - $11,925 | $0 - $23,850 | $0 - $17,000 |
| 12% | $11,926 - $48,475 | $23,851 - $96,950 | $17,001 - $64,850 |
| 22% | $48,476 - $103,350 | $96,951 - $206,700 | $64,851 - $103,350 |
| 24% | $103,351 - $197,300 | $206,701 - $394,600 | $103,351 - $197,300 |
| 32% | $197,301 - $250,525 | $394,601 - $501,050 | $197,301 - $250,500 |
| 35% | $250,526 - $626,350 | $501,051 - $751,600 | $250,501 - $626,350 |
| 37% | Over $626,350 | Over $751,600 | Over $626,350 |
Note: These brackets apply to ordinary income. Capital gains and qualified dividends may be taxed at preferential rates of 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on your income level.
Employers must send W-2 forms to employees
January 31, 2026
Tax filing deadline for 2024 returns
April 15, 2026
First quarterly estimated payment due for 2026
April 15, 2026
Extended filing deadline (if extension filed)
October 15, 2026
Nine states have no state income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. New Hampshire taxes only dividends and interest.
US Tax Filing FAQ
Get answers to common questions about filing your US federal and state tax returns.
Who needs to file a US federal tax return?
Generally, you must file a federal tax return if your gross income exceeds certain thresholds based on your filing status and age. For 2026, single filers under 65 must file if income exceeds $14,600, while married couples filing jointly must file if combined income exceeds $29,200. You may also need to file if you're self-employed and earned $400 or more, or to claim refundable credits like the Earned Income Credit.
What is the deadline for filing US taxes?
The deadline for filing your 2025 tax return (for tax year 2025) is April 15, 2026. If you need more time, you can request an automatic 6-month extension using Form 4868, giving you until October 15, 2026 to file. However, an extension to file is not an extension to pay—any taxes owed are still due by April 15.
Should I take the standard deduction or itemize?
You should itemize if your total itemized deductions exceed the standard deduction ($14,600 for single filers, $29,200 for married filing jointly in 2026). Common itemized deductions include state and local taxes (capped at $10,000), mortgage interest, charitable contributions, and medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of your AGI. Our system automatically calculates both options and recommends the one that results in lower taxes.
What documents do I need to file my US taxes?
You'll need: W-2 forms from all employers, 1099 forms for freelance/contract income and investments, Form 1098 for mortgage interest, Social Security numbers for yourself and dependents, and receipts for deductible expenses. If you have investments, you'll also need brokerage statements showing sales and cost basis.
How do I know if I qualify for the Earned Income Credit?
The EITC is a refundable credit for low-to-moderate income workers. For 2026, income limits depend on filing status and number of qualifying children. Single filers with no children can earn up to approximately $18,591, while married couples with three or more children can earn up to approximately $63,398. You must also have earned income from employment or self-employment.
Can I file my state taxes through TaxMaker?
Yes, TaxMaker supports state tax filing for all 50 states. For states with income tax, your federal return information automatically flows to your state return, making the process seamless. Nine states (Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming) have no state income tax, though some tax dividends and interest.
Ready to file your US taxes?
Start your free federal return today and get your maximum refund. Most returns completed in under 30 minutes.