The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has set Monday, January 27, 2025, as the official start date for the nation’s 2025 tax season. This year’s filing season brings a host of improvements and expanded services aimed at modernizing the tax filing process and assisting taxpayers.
Key Highlights
Expanded Direct File Program: The IRS’s Direct File program will be available to eligible taxpayers in 25 states, up from 12 states in the previous year. This free, web-based service now covers more tax situations and includes new features such as data import tools and a chatbot to guide users through the eligibility checker.
Enhanced Online Tools: Taxpayers will benefit from improved access to tax account information through text and voice virtual assistants, expanded features on the IRS Individual Online Account, and increased accessibility to tax forms via mobile devices.
Free File Program: The IRS Free File program is open for taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $84,000 or less in 2024. Eight private-sector partners are offering online guided tax software products, with one partner providing a product in Spanish.
Filing Expectations
The IRS anticipates more than 140 million individual tax returns for the 2024 tax year to be filed before the Tuesday, April 15 federal deadline. Over half of these returns are expected to be filed with the assistance of tax professionals.
Additional Services
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance/Tax Counseling for the Elderly: Free tax help for eligible taxpayers
- MilTax: Free return preparation for military members and some veterans
- Redesigned Notices: 284 notices redesigned in 2024, with more to be deployed in 2025
- Scam Alerts: New feature in Individual Online Accounts to protect against emerging threats
As the tax season approaches, taxpayers are encouraged to visit IRS.gov for the most up-to-date information and to take advantage of the various tools and services available to simplify the filing process.