WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service officially opened the 2025 tax filing season Tuesday, beginning the process of accepting and reviewing individual federal tax returns for the 2024 tax year. By early morning, millions of returns had already been submitted.
More than 140 million individual tax returns are expected to be filed before the federal deadline on April 15, the IRS estimates. More than half of all filers are expected to rely on tax professionals, and the agency urges taxpayers to choose trusted preparers to avoid scams. Residents in federally declared disaster areas may qualify for an extension.
IRS Recommends E-Filing and Direct Deposit for Faster Refunds
The IRS encourages taxpayers to file electronically and opt for direct deposit to ensure secure and efficient refunds. Paper checks are 16 times more likely to be lost, stolen, or otherwise delayed, according to the Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service. E-filing also reduces errors by automating calculations and flagging common mistakes.
Taxpayers can track their refund status using the Where’s My Refund? tool on IRS.gov or through the IRS2Go mobile app. While most refunds are issued within 21 days, the agency warns that some returns may require additional review.
Free Tax Filing Programs Available
Eligible taxpayers can take advantage of multiple IRS-backed programs to file their returns at no cost:
- IRS Free File: Available to those with an annual income of $84,000 or less. The service offers free guided tax preparation and electronic filing through Oct. 15.
- Direct File: A web-based service now available in 25 states that allows taxpayers to file directly with the IRS in English or Spanish.
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): Offers free help to taxpayers earning $67,000 or less, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited English proficiency.
- Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE): Specializes in tax preparation for individuals 60 and older, focusing on retirement-related concerns.
- MilTax: A Department of Defense program that provides free tax filing assistance for military personnel and eligible veterans.
EITC and ACTC Refunds Expected by Early March
Taxpayers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) should expect their refunds to be available by March 3 if they opted for direct deposit and have no return issues. Under the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, refunds for these credits cannot be processed before mid-February. Most early EITC/ACTC filers should see an updated refund status by Feb. 22.
Avoid Filing Too Early: Key Documents Are Required
The IRS advises taxpayers to wait until they have received all necessary documents before filing. This includes Form 1099s for bank interest, unemployment compensation, dividends, pensions, and payment app transactions. Those receiving Form 1099-K for online marketplace sales should refer to IRS guidance to report the correct income.
Choosing a Trusted Tax Professional
More than half of taxpayers seek help from a professional, but the IRS warns against unethical “ghost” preparers who fail to sign returns or include a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) as required by law. Taxpayers can use the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers to find credentialed professionals.
Beware of Tax Scams and Identity Theft
Tax season often brings an increase in fraudulent schemes. The IRS cautions taxpayers to watch for:
- False refund promises: Scammers may promote fraudulent credits or deductions.
- Threats and urgent demands: Impersonators posing as IRS agents may claim immediate payment is required.
- Phishing attempts: Fake IRS emails and websites attempt to steal personal data.
Tax-related identity theft occurs when criminals use stolen Social Security numbers to file fraudulent returns. Victims should continue to file taxes and report the theft to the IRS Identity Theft Central.
New IRS Resources for 2025
This year, the IRS has expanded tools and services to improve taxpayer assistance:
- IRS Individual Online Account: Allows users to access past tax returns, request Identity Protection PINs, sign tax documents digitally, and make payments.
- Redesigned IRS Notices: The agency has modernized 284 notices to improve clarity, with 84 additional updates planned for 2025.
- Mobile-Friendly Tax Forms: Sixty-seven tax forms are now optimized for cell phones and tablets, with a new “save and draft” feature for users to complete forms in multiple sessions.
- Virtual Assistance: Automated voicebots and chatbots provide real-time answers to refund inquiries and common tax questions in English and Spanish.
IRS Assistance Centers Open for In-Person Help
Taxpayers needing face-to-face assistance can visit Taxpayer Assistance Centers nationwide. Locations and appointment information are available at IRS.gov.
As the 2025 tax season begins, the IRS continues to emphasize electronic filing, fraud prevention, and taxpayer support to streamline the filing process and reduce delays.
