WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has officially opened the 2025 tax filing season, now accepting and processing individual tax returns for 2024. With more than 140 million individual tax returns expected to be filed ahead of the Tuesday, April 15 federal deadline, taxpayers are encouraged to take advantage of online tools, free filing options, and professional assistance to ensure a smooth process.
Key Filing Deadlines and Considerations
- The April 15, 2025 deadline applies to most taxpayers.
- Individuals in federally declared disaster areas may qualify for extended deadlines.
- Electronic filing and direct deposit are recommended for faster refunds and greater accuracy.
Free Filing and Assistance Programs
The IRS offers multiple free tax preparation options for eligible filers, including:
- IRS Free File: Available to taxpayers earning $84,000 or less, offering guided software and e-filing at no cost.
- Direct File: A free, IRS-hosted tax filing platform available in 25 participating states, guiding taxpayers through federal tax preparation in English and Spanish.
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): Available to individuals earning $67,000 or less, those with disabilities, and those with limited English proficiency.
- Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE): Focuses on tax issues for seniors, including retirement-related concerns.
- MilTax: A Department of Defense program providing free tax preparation for military members and eligible veterans.
For full eligibility requirements and locations, visit IRS.gov.
Expected Refund Timeline
- The majority of refunds are issued within 21 days for those who file electronically and select direct deposit.
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) refunds cannot be issued before mid-February due to federal law. These refunds should appear in bank accounts by March 3 if filed correctly.
To track refund status, taxpayers can use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website or the IRS2Go mobile app.
New Features for Taxpayers
The IRS has rolled out several improvements for the 2025 filing season, including:
- Enhanced Online Accounts: Taxpayers can view return details, set up payment plans, request an Identity Protection PIN, and access IRS notices digitally.
- Mobile-Optimized Tax Forms: 67 tax forms are now accessible on smartphones and tablets.
- AI-Powered Virtual Assistants: Chatbots and voicebots now help taxpayers get refund updates and answer common tax-related questions.
Avoiding Scams and Tax Fraud
The IRS warns taxpayers to be on alert for scams, fraudulent tax preparers, and identity theft:
- Scammers may impersonate IRS officials via phone or email, demanding payment.
- Social media tax schemes encouraging false claims could lead to IRS penalties.
- Ghost tax preparers who don’t sign returns should be avoided.
To ensure a secure filing experience, taxpayers are encouraged to verify preparers through the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers.
Final Reminders
- Report all taxable income, including 1099-K earnings from online sales or payment apps.
- Choose a trusted tax professional or use IRS free tools for assistance.
- Be cautious of unsolicited IRS-related messages and always verify official communications through IRS.gov.
For more details, free tax filing resources, and tax assistance programs, visit IRS.gov.