Get Ahead of the 2025 Tax Season: Start Preparing Now!

With tax season upon us, many individuals are eager to start filing their tax returns. The IRS has recently declared the beginning of the 2025 tax filing season, allowing people the chance to submit their taxes early. Accompanying this announcement, the IRS has also introduced numerous technological advancements aimed at making the filing process easier and enhancing support for taxpayers. With the tax season officially commencing on January 27, here is what you should be aware of regarding early preparations, filing, and the available support resources.

Starting Dates and Filing Deadlines

For those new to filing taxes, it’s important to understand the timeline. The 2025 tax season starts on Monday, January 27, 2025, which is when the IRS begins to process tax returns. Taxpayers have from January 27 to the usual deadline of April 15 to file their returns. If April 15 happens to be during the weekend, the deadline is typically moved to the next weekday.

This period, often referred to as tax season, is the time when individuals prepare their tax documents and report earnings from the previous year. It’s also the period for settling any taxes due or for receiving a refund if one has overpaid. Missing the April deadline can lead to penalties and interest charges. However, those requiring more time can request an extension to file up until October, though they must still pay any taxes due by April.

Preparation for Early Filing

While the IRS won’t process returns before January 27, taxpayers can start collecting their necessary documents and fill out their returns beforehand. However, it’s essential to wait until all required forms have been received before submitting a return.

Employers are required to issue W-2 forms by January 31, crucial for most employees. Other documents, such as 1099 forms, might arrive later in January. Filing a tax return without all the necessary documents can lead to errors.

Many tax preparation services and professionals allow taxpayers to complete their returns early and hold them until the IRS starts processing. “Last year, the average refund was more than $3,100 for many households, and for many, that refund is the largest check they’ll receive all year,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel at a press conference. “Our team understands this significance and consistently strives to meet the needs of the nation’s taxpayers and the tax system,” he added.

Enhancements in Technology to Improve Filing

The 2025 tax season features significant technological improvements designed to streamline filing and enhance the taxpayer experience. A key upgrade is the expansion of online tools such as the Direct File system, which simplifies the tax filing process. The IRS has upgraded its digital tools to minimize confusion, bolster security, and provide more efficient filing options.

A new element in the IRS Online Account now alerts taxpayers about potential scams that could target their personal information. These alerts link to pages that describe how to identify legitimate IRS communications and avoid scams. “These chat bots can either guide users through preset options or allow them to ask questions in a text box,” an IRS spokesperson explained. “Employing natural language processing to understand taxpayer queries helps provide accurate responses.”

Furthermore, taxpayers can now fill out and save drafts of 67 different forms on mobile devices, allowing for greater flexibility in handling tax returns. Enhanced automation in the IRS systems, including voice bots in English and Spanish, offers continuous support to address questions regarding filing status or refund information, further easing the filing process.