E-file and Pay Your MA Personal Income Taxes

E-filing is the fastest way to file your Massachusetts personal income tax returns and receive refunds from DOR. Explore your e-filing and payment options.

Updated: March 12, 2024

Table of Contents

Overview

Federal and state income tax returns for Massachusetts taxpayers are due on or before April 17, 2024.

Choose an E-Filing Option

Your options are listed below, including these free offers:

Create a MassTaxConnect Account

To e-file your federal and state tax returns for free using Direct File from the IRS and MassTaxConnect, you need to be registered on MassTaxConnect. 

You will also need to be registered if you just want to file your state return using MassTaxConnect. 

To create a MassTaxConnect account, follow the instructions in the video.

The guidelines and video take you through the process step by step

File Your Federal and State Returns for Free

Massachusetts partnered with the IRS this year to give you a new option for filing your federal and state tax returns for free.  

How Does Direct File Work?

To file your federal and state tax returns, follow these steps:

  1. Check if you qualify to use Direct File.
  2. Complete your federal return using Direct File.
  3. Approve the transfer of your federal return data from Direct File.
  4. Complete your state tax return using MassTaxConnect.

The guidelines and video take you through the process step by step. 

    File Your State Return Only with MassTaxConnect for Free

    You can still use MassTaxConnect to file a state return if:

    • You filed your federal return using a program other than Direct File.
    • You need to file a return to qualify for a Massachusetts (MA) credit.

    You can only use MassTaxConnect to file a return if:

    • You were a MA full-year resident
    • You filed a MA return in the past and
    • All the schedules you need to file are listed in the guidelines

    It’s easy to use:

    • Answer simple interview-style questions as you go
    • The guidelines and video take you through the process step by step 

    Other Free File Options for Qualified Taxpayers

    Qualified MA taxpayers can use these Free File Alliance vendors to e-file for free.

    To access the free software option, you must use the provided links.

    IRS Free File program delivered by 1040.com

    Offer for Free Federal and MA Returns: 

    • Adjusted Gross Income between $17,000 and $79,000 for any age or
      • Active Military with Adjusted Gross Income of $79,000 or less

    Use this URL:  https://www.1040.com/IRSFreeFile

    1040NOW

    Free federal and MA tax preparation and e-file for all who live in MA with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $32,000 or less. This offer is limited to three (3) free tax returns per computer.

    Use this URL: https://www.1040now.net/freefilema.htm

    IRS Free File program delivered by FreeTaxUSA

    Free federal and Massachusetts tax filing if:

    • Your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) was $45,000 or less in 2023, or
    • You were active duty military during 2023 and your AGI was $79,000 or less.

    You must access the FreeTaxUSA Free File website through this link: https://www.freetaxusa.com/freefile2023

    File Free with Cash App Taxes

    Use this URL: https://cash.app/taxes

    Cash App Taxes is free for everyone who files with us. Cash App Taxes doesn't support the e-filing of state-only returns, however, paper filing of state-only returns is supported. Cash App Taxes only provides free state e-filing in cases when a taxpayer also e-files a federal return through Cash App Taxes.

    OnLine Taxes at OLT.com

    https://www.olt.com/main/oltstateff/default.php

    OnLine Taxes at OLT.com would like to offer free federal and free state online tax preparation and e-filing if your Federal Adjusted Gross Income is $45,000 or less, regardless of age. 

    Active Duty Military with an adjusted gross income of $79,000 or less will also qualify.

    OnLine Taxes at OLT's Free File website must be accessed through the link above. This offer is also valid from the IRS Free File offer.

     

    Pay with MassTaxConnect

    If you can’t make your personal income tax payment in full, pay as much as you can with your tax return. 

    Tax payments can be made on MassTaxConnect with:

    • Credit card (for a fee) or
    • Electronic Funds Transfer (ACH Debit)

    If you are not registered for MassTaxConnect but need to make a payment:

    • Go to MassTaxConnect
    • Under Quick Links, select Make a Payment
    • Under Select Payment Type:
      • Select “I am, or I represent, an individual who would like to make an estimated, extension, return, or bill payment” and choose Next.
    • Enter your SSN or ITIN and Phone Number (in case we need to contact you about this payment)
    • Choose the type of tax payment you want to make and select Next.
    • Choose the amount you want to pay and your payment method and select Next.  
    • Review your payment and select Submit.

    Estimated Tax Payments

    Individuals and businesses can make estimated tax payments securely through MassTaxConnect

    For more information, go to DOR Estimated Tax Payments.

    What You Need To E-file & Pay

    Check the following to see what you need to e-file your tax return or make a payment.

    E-file a return

    • Copies of last year’s federal and state tax returns
    • Personal information including:
      • Legal name(s)
      • Birth date(s)
      • Social Security number(s).
    • Records of your earnings (W-2 forms from each employer or 1099-MISC forms if you’re a contractor)
    • Records of interest and dividends from banks (1099 forms: 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, etc.)
    • Proof of health insurance (1099-HC, 1095-B, etc.)
    • Records of tuition payments and student loan interest paid (1098-T)
    • Record of received Social Security benefits (SSA-1099)
    • Record of received pension or annuity
      (1099-R)
    • Unemployment compensation statements (1099-G)
    • Total child care expenses and child care provider information, including:
      • Legal name(s)
      • Employer ID
      • Social Security number(s).
    • Total rent paid, as well as landlord or rental agent’s name and address
    • Receipts or canceled checks for items such as:
      • Medical expenses
      • Mortgage interest
      • Charitable contributions if you’re itemizing deductions.
    • Bank account and bank routing numbers if choosing the direct deposit refund option.

    Make a payment

    You can choose from several different payment options:

    • Electronic Funds Transfer (ACH Debit) 
    • Credit card
    • Check or
    • Money order.

    You will need the following:

    • Your legal name
    • Your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
    • Your payment voucher if you are making a bill payment.  

     


    If you have to file or pay on paper, go to the Current Tax Filing Season Overview page.

    Resources

    Contact   for E-file and Pay Your MA Personal Income Taxes

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