Search
Filing Taxes
Filing with Keeper
-
Filing with Keeper
Why File with Keeper?
Filing your taxes doesn’t have to be stressful. With Keeper, the process is simple, guided, and designed to save you time. Our intuitive system walks you through each step with clear, straightforward questions. Just upload your W-2s, 1099s, investment documents, or any other income forms, and Keeper takes care of the rest.
Self-Employed? We’ve Got You Covered
If you’re self-employed, Keeper automatically incorporates any business deductions you’ve tracked in the app throughout the year when you file your taxes. That means more potential savings without the headache of manual calculations.
Choose the Plan That Fits Your Needs
Filing + Deductions ($199/year): This plan includes free federal and state tax filing for the current tax year (up to two state returns) while your subscription is active. You’ll also get full access to the app and all its expense-tracking features. Prefer to file elsewhere? You can easily export the deductions you’ve tracked throughout the year.
Premium ($399/year): Premium gives you everything in the Filing + Deductions plan, plus a suite of advanced services. These include filing amendments, handling prior-year returns, quarterly tax assistance, complimentary one-on-one quarterly calls with our tax experts, and personalized support for more complex situations.
Filing Business Returns with Keeper
Have a partnership or S-Corp? Keeper can help file your business returns—Form 1065 (partnership) or Form 1120-S (S-Corp)—through our add-on services. With the $750 Expert Plan (available as an add-on to Premium), one of our experienced accountants will handle your business filings alongside your personal returns, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free experience. Want to learn more? Check out our Add-on Services article
for full details.When Can You File with Keeper?
Keeper’s filing service for the current tax year typically opens in mid-January and remains available until the IRS stops accepting e-filed returns.
How to File with Keeper
Tax filing is available to all Annual and Premium subscribers. Once you subscribe, you can file immediately. To file within the app, go to the File Taxes tab. Prefer desktop? Log in at dashboard.keepertax.com.
Make tax season stress-free—let Keeper handle it for you while you focus on what matters most!
-
Filing an extension
If you need extra time to file your taxes, we recommend submitting an extension by April 15th. Keeper doesn’t currently offer extension filing as a standalone service, but we can share free resources to help you file on your own.
You can file an extension directly through the IRS using this link:
https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/extension-of-time-to-file-your-tax-returnWhat if I miss filing an extension before the deadline?
Once the tax deadline has passed, you can no longer file an extension. If you miss the deadline to file your return and didn't file an extension, you may incur late filing fees. Additionally, if you owe taxes, late payment penalties could apply. However, it’s worth noting that the IRS doesn’t always impose these penalties! You can find more information about penalties here:
-
Understanding and tracking your refund
Something doesn’t look right with my refund amount
If your refund isn't adding up, take some time to review all of the information you've reported on your tax return. Have you included all your deductions and reported all your income? Does your return need to be unlocked so you can make changes?
If everything has been entered correctly, the amount of your refund is accurate. If you're ever in doubt, feel free to let us know. We’ll be happy to guide you through any questions.
Why did my refund amount change?
Sometimes, the IRS may accept your return but make changes to the amount of your refund.
This doesn't happen very often. But if it does, you’ll receive a letter or notice from the IRS explaining why it made the change and offering instructions on how to challenge it if you don't agree with their decision.
As long as the information you include on your return is accurate, there's no reason to be concerned.
How long does it take to receive my refund?
If you’re owed a tax refund, it takes the IRS and state 21 business days on average to process your return and remit payment. However, it may take longer. With that said, many people receive their refund much sooner!
What’s the status of my refund?
You can check the status of your federal refund by:
- Using the online IRS Where’s My Refund? tool
- Calling the IRS at 800-829-1954 during their support hours of 7 AM to 7 PM local time, Monday to Friday.
You can check the status of your state tax refund by visiting your state tax website:
I filed with Keeper and I haven’t received my refund
If you've filed with us and your return has been accepted by the IRS, you can track the status of your refund directly at the IRS website, using the online IRS Where’s My Refund? tool
Keep in mind, refunds on simple returns can be processed in as few as 21 days. But things can take longer if the IRS is running behind or needs to verify any information.
If more than 90 days have passed since you filed your return, we suggest reaching out to the IRS directly at 800-829-1040 to check on the status of your refund. You can also schedule an in-person appointment with the IRS through this link: https://www.irs.gov/help/contact-your-local-irs-office.
📝 Please note that if you are expecting both federal and state refunds, they may come at different times. Since the IRS and state agencies operate separately, you might receive your federal refund before your state refund, or vice versa.
-
How to set up payments and receive refunds for your taxes
Receiving Your Tax Refund
When you file your tax return with us, you’ll need to provide your bank account details. If you’re eligible for a federal and/or state tax refund, the funds will be deposited directly into this account. However, if you prefer not to share your bank information, the IRS or your state’s Department of Revenue will mail you a check for any refund you’re owed.
Paying Your Tax Bill
The bank account you enter on your tax return isn’t just for receiving refunds; it’s also used to pay any taxes you owe. If you have a balance due, the payment will be automatically deducted from this account on the tax deadline, or if the deadline has already passed, as soon as your return is processed.
If you chose the pay later option during filing and didn't provide your bank account information, you’ll need to make the payment manually to the IRS or your state’s Department of Revenue. If you’re unable to pay in full right away, you may also be able to apply for a payment plan.
Setting Up a Payment Plan with the IRS
If you find yourself unable to pay the full amount of taxes due all at once, there's no need to worry. During the filing process, you can select the option to pay later.
Once your tax return has been accepted, you can visit the IRS website directly to apply for a payment plan. It will guide you through creating or signing into your IRS Online Account, where you can manage your tax payments.
By setting up an IRS Online Account, you'll gain access to a wealth of information, including your personal tax details, payment plans, and tax records. You'll also be able to view any notices or letters the IRS has sent you, helping you stay on top of your tax responsibilities.
For more detailed guidance on setting up a payment plan with the IRS, feel free to visit this link: https://www.irs.gov/payments/payment-plans-installment-agreements
Setting Up a Payment Plan with Your State
Many states also offer the option to set up a payment plan for your state taxes. However, the process can vary from state to state. To get started, you'll need to check with your state's Department of Revenue for specific instructions:
Applying for the IRS hardship program
If you're experiencing financial hardship and can't pay your tax bill, the IRS offers several options to help you manage your tax debt. Here's a quick rundown of the steps you can take:
- Offer in Compromise (OIC): This program allows you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount you owe. To apply, you'll need to complete Form 656, "Offer in Compromise," and Form 433-A (OIC) or 433-B (OIC), which detail your financial situation. Use the IRS's Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier tool to see if you might be eligible.
- Installment Agreement: If you can't pay your taxes in full, you can apply for a payment plan. You can request a short-term payment plan (up to 180 days) or a long-term installment agreement. You can apply online using the IRS Online Payment Agreement tool, or submit Form 9465, "Installment Agreement Request."
- Currently Not Collectible (CNC) Status: If paying your tax debt would cause significant financial hardship, you can request to be placed in CNC status. This means the IRS temporarily pauses collection efforts. To apply, you'll need to provide detailed financial information, typically using Form 433-F, "Collection Information Statement."
- Request a Penalty Abatement: If you have a reasonable cause for not paying your taxes on time, you can request a penalty abatement. This can reduce or eliminate penalties. You can submit Form 843, "Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement," or call the IRS to explain your situation.
- Temporary Delay in Collection: If you can't make any payments due to financial hardship, you can request a temporary delay in collection until your financial situation improves.
We recommend contacting the IRS directly to discuss your situation and provide financial information. Remember, it's important to communicate with the IRS as soon as you realize you can't pay your tax bill.
-
How to get a copy of my tax return(s)
You can access a copy of your tax return directly through the Keeper app. Just head to the Past Returns section under Settings.
If you’re using a desktop, go to File Taxes and select the tax year you want. For any return you’ve successfully filed with Keeper, whether it’s for the current year or a past year, you’ll see an option to have a copy emailed to you. Once you select it, you’ll get an email with a secure link to download your return.
💡Tip: If you uploaded tax forms during the filing process, those will only be available for download in the Past Returns section of the Settings tab within the app.
If you haven't filed your tax return yet but have already submitted it for review, you can download a draft copy once the review is finished. We will notify you when the review is complete, and then you can go back to the File Taxes tab to check if you owe taxes or are due a refund. You’ll also see an option there to email yourself a draft copy of your return before finalizing and submitting it for filing.
📝 Please note — the download link is designed to expire seven (7) days from the time the email is sent as a security measure. Therefore, make sure to save or print your copy promptly. If the link becomes inactive, you can follow these steps again to request another copy.
-
Correcting your tax return
I don’t see a deduction that I should have
If you’re missing a deduction, start by double-checking your expenses to make sure it's not hiding somewhere before adding it manually —you don't want duplicates.
If you don't see it, make sure it's been added to your list of expenses. You can manually add the expense in the app or link another card to ensure it's included.
When you head back to your return, your missing expenses will be automatically added in.
Can I still go back and add deductions?
If you've just submitted your tax file for review, you can return to the File Taxes tab once the review is complete and select 'Unlock to make edits.' After unlocking, go to the Deductions tab to add any deductions you missed. Be sure to resubmit your return for review afterward.
If you've already filed and submitted your return to the IRS, the only way to add deductions is by amending your tax return. For more information on how to file an amendment, please visit this link: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/if-you-must-amend-your-return
If you need assistance with filing an amendment, our Premium plan includes support for this process.
I can't submit my return for review because a section is highlighted in red
If you see a red exclamation mark or sections highlighted in red, it indicates that there’s missing information needed before you can submit your return for review. Please go back to all the highlighted sections and check the entries associated with the red exclamation marks.
When you click on an entry, review all the boxes and questions to see if any are highlighted that require your attention. Make sure the information in those sections is accurate. Once all the red warning signs are gone, you'll be able to submit your return for review.
If you need any further assistance in resolving this issue, don't hesitate to let us know!
How do I make changes if I already submitted my return for review?
Once you submit your return for review, it’s temporarily locked, which means you won’t be able to make changes until the review is complete. After the review, you can go to the File Taxes tab and select Unlock to make edits. This will let you update your information. Just remember to resubmit your return for review once you’re done so your changes are applied.
Keep in mind that as long as you haven’t finalized your return by selecting Sign & File in the File Taxes tab, you’ll still be able to unlock it and make changes.
How do I make changes if I already submitted my return to the IRS?
If you need to make any changes to your return, you must file an amended return. Here’s more info on how to file an amended return: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/if-you-must-amend-your-return
Keeper also offers a Premium subscription that includes preparing and filing amended returns.
My return was rejected
Maybe there was a typo with your Social Security number, or the IRS thinks something doesn't look right. If your return is rejected, we’ll be sure to let you know as soon as possible. This will come as a notification on the app, under the “File Taxes” tab.
For minor issues, you’ll be able to update your return and resubmit it to the IRS. If the issue is a little more complex, we’ll guide you through all of your options.
The IRS says my social security number was already used
If you’re filing with Keeper and your return gets rejected because the IRS reports your Social Security number has already been used, start by double-checking your personal details. Go back to the File Taxes tab and confirm that your name, address, and SSN are all correct.
If everything looks accurate, make sure you haven’t already filed a return this year through another service.
In rare cases, this notice may mean that someone else has fraudulently used your Social Security number. If that happens, we can try e-filing your return using an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), which you can request directly from the IRS here (https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin). Once you have your IP PIN, share it with us so we can re-submit your return.
It’s also a good idea to contact the IRS to review your situation and explore your options. You can learn more about identity theft and how to protect yourself on the IRS website here: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/taxpayer-guide-to-identity-theft
I received an IRS inquiry
The IRS may send a letter requesting a little more information to finish processing your return. This doesn't mean you're being audited, so don't stress.
The notice should clearly state the forms or information they’re seeking, as well as instructions on how to send them in. Take care of these inquiries as quickly as possible, so your return isn't delayed.
If you need assistance or want to double-check that you're sending the correct forms, feel free to let us know. We’re here to help!
I filed with Keeper and I’m being audited
No one ever wants to hear the word audit. Most likely you never will — the likelihood of getting audited is less than 1%.
Still, we want you prepared. If you filed with Keeper, we're here to help answer any questions as you work through collecting all necessary documents to send to the IRS. Our team of tax experts are available to answer all your questions.
Don't assume your audit will be a drawn-out process, or that you'll necessarily receive a higher tax bill at the end. Most audits are done by mail, and you may have been selected for something as simple as making a typo when you entered your income. We all make mistakes.
You should carefully read your IRS audit notice. You might be given the option to:
- Send in supporting documents
- Pay an updated tax bill
- Offer proof as to why the original numbers were actually accurate
Once you’ve gathered all your documentation and sent in your response, the IRS will notify you of the final decision.
- See all 10 articles