Tax Season 2024

The 2025 tax season kicks off on January 27, bringing with it a series of enhancements from the IRS designed to support taxpayers. Notably, the Direct File program has expanded significantly, now enabling eligible taxpayers in a total of 25 states to file their taxes directly with the IRS for free, up from last year’s 12 states. This year, Direct File will accommodate more tax situations than in the previous pilot program, making it a more robust option for filers. Additionally, the IRS’s Free File program, available to those with an adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less, launched on Friday, offering access to free software tools through IRS partners. Furthermore, improvements to individual online accounts include increased functionality and a new banner feature alerting users to potential scams, thus enhancing taxpayer security and awareness during the filing process.

In 2025, an additional 84 redesigned notices will be deployed, following the successful rollout of 200 redesigned notices in 2024. To enhance accessibility, voicebot services will be available to taxpayers in both English and Spanish, ensuring that assistance is readily available for a diverse audience. Taxpayers can typically expect to receive most refunds within 21 days, promoting a smoother experience during tax season. One of the IRS's most utilized online tools, "Where's My Refund," allows taxpayers to track their refund status and obtain detailed information about their taxes just 24 hours after electronic filing. These updates aim to improve communication and efficiency for taxpayers navigating the tax process.