@abtb00 - if you owe, that payment is due no later than April 18, 2023 to avoid penalties and interest. WHether you send in a check, go to the IRS website or request a direct debit on your tax return doesn't matter. what matters is that whatever payment you use the IRS has it by April 18 (or if you mail it the post mark date is no later than April 18)
The tax return itself can be filed when you are ready to do so - either before or after the payment is made. And that can be years later! What the IRS really wants is your MONEY!
But as others have noted, it's a good idea (but not necessary) to efile and make sure your return is 'accepted'. And accepted simply means the IRS has acknowledged receipt of the tax return - it does not mean it has been reviewed or audited.
