Although the football season is concluding, tax season is beginning as the IRS has commenced accepting income tax returns starting Monday.
The 2025 tax season opens a 78-day period for over 140 million taxpayers to submit individual tax returns for the 2024 tax year, which includes income earned from January 1 to December 31 of the previous year.
In an announcement, the IRS highlighted that this season will feature improved tools for taxpayer assistance, a result of significant modernization efforts. These enhancements include text and virtual assistants available for tax queries, alongside new mobile options for filling out tax forms and several completely free filing alternatives.
Whether preparing your taxes online or with the assistance of a tax professional, the IRS warns taxpayers to be vigilant against tax scams, particularly phishing attempts that occur frequently during this period. Messages claiming to be from the IRS via phone, text, or email are always fraudulent, as the IRS does not initiate contact through these means.
Preparing to File Taxes
Even if you’re not planning to file your tax return right away, it’s advisable to start gathering the necessary documents now. One crucial document to watch for is the W-2, which employers are required to send out by January 31.
If you want to get a head start, the IRS Free File program is currently available. Through a collaboration with several tax preparation companies, many taxpayers can file their taxes online at no charge, provided their adjusted gross income for 2024 is $84,000 or less.
Additionally, approximately 32 million taxpayers across 25 states can utilize Direct File, a free guided tax-filing tool offered by the IRS. This option has expanded significantly from last year, when it was available in only 12 states, and is accessible now.
Before you file your taxes, consider if it would be beneficial to itemize deductions. For the 2024 tax year, most taxpayers will choose the standard deduction, which is $14,600 for single filers, $21,900 for heads of households, and $29,200 for married couples filing jointly. Taxpayers with deductible expenses that exceed these amounts should generally opt to itemize, despite the added complexity, potentially resulting in a larger refund or reduced tax liability.
Tax preparation software such as TurboTax provides calculators to help estimate any taxes owed or expected refunds early on.
Tax Deadlines in 2025
Tax Day in 2025 will fall on April 15. It is recommended to file taxes ahead of this midnight deadline unless you request an automatic extension using Form 4868. Note that while an extension provides more time to file, it does not extend the deadline for paying any taxes owed.
Taxpayers residing in federally declared disaster zones may be granted additional time to file. This applies to individuals and businesses in areas such as Los Angeles County, which recently experienced severe wildfires, as well as regions impacted by major hurricanes in 2024. Check the IRS website for details on any extended filing deadlines applicable to your situation.
Tax Refund Timing
According to the IRS, most tax refunds are issued within 21 days, though paper filings may take longer to process.
In previous years, over 100 million refunds were distributed, with an average amount exceeding $3,000. While many taxpayers will likely receive refunds again this year, the IRS recommends not relying on receiving a refund by a particular date for bill payments due to potential delays.
Filing your taxes electronically and choosing direct deposit will expedite the receipt of your refund. To monitor your refund status, the IRS offers a tool called Where’s My Refund?, which requires your Social Security or taxpayer ID number, filing status, and refund amount for tracking.
Additional Resources:
5 Best Tax Relief Companies
2025 Tax Brackets: IRS Adjusts Income Cutoffs and Standard Deduction
These 9 States Are Reducing Income Taxes in 2025
photo credit: money.com
