The Internal Revenue Service has officially announced the commencement of the 2025 tax filing season, set to begin on January 27. This date marks the first opportunity for individuals to file and process their 2024 tax returns. The IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel revealed this information on Friday, highlighting significant enhancements in their filing systems aimed at simplifying the process for taxpayers.
Taxpayers across the nation are advised to file their federal returns and settle any taxes owed by April 15 to avoid potential penalties and interest charges. In an effort to assist taxpayers, the IRS provides several free filing options, including the Direct File program and IRS Free File. Notably, IRS Free File, which commenced on January 10, offers guided tax preparation through collaborations with software partners. Eligible individuals can begin electronically filing their returns through these Free File partners starting January 27.
“This has been a historic period of improvement for the IRS, and people will see additional tools and features to help them with filing their taxes this tax season,” – IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel
This year, the IRS' Direct File program has expanded its reach, now available in 25 states. The participating states include Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington state, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These states offer eligible taxpayers a streamlined and cost-free method to file their taxes.
The IRS emphasizes the importance of utilizing these free services to ensure a smooth and efficient filing experience. With the updated tools and features introduced this season, taxpayers can expect a more user-friendly interface designed to accommodate diverse filing needs.