The 2025 tax filing season opened on January 27, with the IRS expecting over 140 million individual tax year 2024 returns by the federal filing deadline. (IR 2025-18, 1/27/2025)
The IRS said it had already received millions of returns for processing as tax season commenced early Monday morning.
Individuals have until April 15, 2025, to file their tax year 2024 returns. However, those residing in a federally declared disaster area may have more time to file and pay federal taxes.
Improvements. The IRS continues to add functionality to its online services, such as increased functionality in the IRS Individual Online Account, which now sports a banner alerting taxpayers to potential scams and schemes.
Other improvements include redesigned notices, mobile-adaptive tax forms, and voice bot services to assist with refund information.
Free filing options. The IRS also reminded taxpayers of free online and in-person tax preparation options.
IRS Free File is open and available until October 15, 2025, to those with an income of $84,000 or less last year. IRS Free File lets qualified taxpayers use guided tax preparation software to prepare and file federal income tax returns online. Those who don’t qualify can still use Free File Fillable Forms to e-file at no cost.
Direct File is another free option that currently serves 25 participating states. This web-based service, available in English and Spanish, provides step-by-step guidance to help individuals complete their federal tax returns.
Additionally, people who generally make $67,000 or less, are living with disabilities, or whose preferred language is not English, can access free help through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program also offers free tax help to those at least 60 years old, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.
For members of the military and some veterans, the Department of Defense has its own program called MilTax. Qualified taxpayers can use this service to electronically file a federal tax return and up to three state returns for free.
Taxpayers with tax questions can also access other free resources on the IRS website, such as the Interactive Tax Assistance tool for personalized tax law guidance.
Electronic filing and tax refunds. To help with accuracy, the IRS recommends electronic filing of tax returns. It also encouraged taxpayers to choose direct deposit for more secure and faster refunds.
While most refunds are issued in less than 21 days, the agency noted that some may take longer due to additional review of returns. Taxpayers can check their refund status through Where’s My Refund? on the IRS website or the IRS2Go app.
Reminders. The IRS listed a few other reminders to taxpayers, including to report all taxable income on their return and to wait to file until they receive all their income and informational documents.
The agency also warned against scammers, noting they historically become more active during tax season.
Taxpayers should be cautious of bad tax advice on social media, especially too good to be true advice, and impersonators demanding immediate payment of taxes owed and threatening arrest or deportation. They should also watch out for odd or misspelled website links, which can take them to harmful sites.
Choosing a trusted tax professional for help in filing returns is also important to avoid potential scams and schemes. The IRS has several resources on this, including tips for choosing a tax preparer and a directory of federal tax return preparers with credentials and select qualifications.
The IRS said it anticipates more than half of all tax returns to be filed this year with the help of a tax professional.
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