The chatbots use natural language processing and understanding to interpret the input from the taxpayer to provide an appropriate response. To tax season launch the chatbot, the taxpayer simply clicks on the โChatโ button in the lower right corner of the webpage. Currently taxpayers can use chatbots from eight webpages.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helping older adults file for free
The current tax season began on Jan. 1, 2025, with a filing deadline of Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Tax season is the period between Jan. 1 and about April 15 of each year when taxpayers get ready to report their taxable income for the previous year. More than 163 million tax returns were received in 2024, a 0.9% increase compared to 2023, according to the Internal Revenue Service.
Free File program now open; Direct File available starting Jan. 27 for taxpayers in 25 states
The IRS said it expects more than 140 million individual tax returns for tax year 2024 to be filed ahead of the April deadline. Taxpayers will continue to see helpful changes at the IRS following ongoing transformation work. Twenty-four hours after filing their returns electronically, taxpayers can check the status https://shop.armanmusic.ca/foreign-currency-translation-definition-process/ of their 2024 refund on the IRS’ Where’s My Refund? Paper returns will take about four weeks to show up on the Where’s My Refund app, the IRS said. The easiest, safest and fastest way to receive a refund is to file electronically (e-file) and select direct deposit.
Gathering Your Tax Documents
The IRS encourages people to file their tax returns electronically and choose direct deposit for faster refunds. Direct File is a web-based service that works on mobile phones, laptops, tablets or desktop computers. Last year, thousands of Direct File users got help from IRS customer service representatives through a live chat feature in English and Spanish.
- Starting your filing process early gives you the time you need to collect the evidence needed to claim all of your deductions.
- Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses stolen personal information, including Social Security numbers, to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund.
- Businesses and self-employed individuals operating as partnerships or S corporations must file by March 15 but can request a six-month extension to September 15.
- Taxpayers who file electronically and are due a refund can expect it within 21 days, according to the IRS.
- However, many people may want to wait until they have all the necessary documents in hand, such as their W-2 forms, 1099s, and other income-related paperwork.
- The 2025 tax filing season began on January 27, 2025.
- The changes, the agency said, are meant to better the tax-paying experience through improved customer service options and expanded free resources.
- More than 163 million individual tax returns for the 2024 tax year are expected to be filed, with the vast majority of those coming before the traditional April tax deadline.
- Those impacted by the California wildfires for example, have until Oct. 15, 2025, to file their returns and pay any tax liability.
- The company offers a 100% money-back guarantee if you donโt save money or have your debt reworked.
And if you do owe money, know that an extension to file is not an extension to pay. If you don’t pay by then, you also will be subject to late-payment penalties. The official start date of this year’s tax filing season will be January 27, the IRS said. Thousands of people have lost millions of dollars and their personal information to tax scams. Scammers use the regular mail, telephone and email to set up individuals, businesses, payroll and tax professionals.
Can I check to see if my refund has been issued?
- If you use a tax preparer, they also can complete your return ahead of opening day and queue it up to the IRS.
- The IRS encourages people to file their tax returns electronically and choose direct deposit for more secure and faster refunds.
- One of the biggest mistakes I see is clients missing tax exemptions, especially retired military members who overlook pension exemptions due to a lack of awareness or recent law changes.
- If you donโt expect major income fluctuations through the year, itโs likely the best option.
- Many people, though, might not have all the paperwork they need at the start of filing season, or might want to wait to file if they expect to owe taxes.
- Employers and financial institutions have until Jan. 31, 2025, however, to provide individuals with W-2 and 1099 forms for 2024.
- Taking action in advance can help you avoid problems later.
Whether youโre filing early for a refund or taking your time to ensure https://www.bookstime.com/articles/what-is-multi-entity-acounting accuracy, understanding the timeline and preparing in advance will make your tax season much smoother. If that date falls on a weekend, the deadline is delayed until the following Monday. The deadline has sometimes been extended for some or all filers.