The Internal Revenue Service has announced the 2025 tax filing season will officially begin on Monday, Jan. 27.
In a news release, the IRS said it expects more than 140 million individual tax returns for tax year 2024.
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Direct File Program
New in 2025, the IRS has expanded the features and availability of last year’s Direct File Program. Beginning Jan. 27, Direct File will be available in 25 states. Texas was included in last year’s program and remains in the program for 2025.
The program helps taxpayers prepare and file their taxes online for free directly through the IRS. In 2025, new features will make filing taxes quicker and easier. A data tool will now allow taxpayers to opt-in to automatically import data from their IRS account, including personal information, the taxpayer’s IP PIN, and some information from the taxpayer’s W-2.
Filers will also have access to a chatbot that will help guide them through the eligibility checker. You can check if you are eligible for the Direct File Program by filling out this survey.
Also, this year, Direct File will cover more tax situations. During the pilot, Direct File supported taxpayers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Credit for Other Dependents. This year, Direct File will also cover taxpayers claiming the:
- Child and Dependent Care Credit
- Premium Tax Credit
- Credit for the Elderly and Disabled
- Retirement Savings Contribution Credits
IRS Free File:
The IRS Free File program is already open. By using guided tax preparation software, IRS Free File lets qualified taxpayers prepare and file federal income tax returns online. It’s safe, easy and no cost to taxpayers.
Although the IRS’s official tax filing season begins later this month, this program allows taxpayers to prepare and file returns now and hold them until they can be electronically filed on that date.
Avoiding Scams
To help protect taxpayers against emerging threats, there’s a new banner on the Online Account homepage that alerts taxpayers of potential scams and schemes, along with a link to their Digital Notices and Letters page to view correspondence sent to them from the IRS.
More than half of all tax returns are expected to be filed with the help of a tax professional, according to the release. The IRS urges everyone to use a trusted tax pro to avoid scams.
- Look for a tax return preparer who is available year-round
- Review the preparer’s history
- Ask about service fees
- Find and authorize IRS e-file provider
- Provide records and receipts
- Understand the preparer’s credentials and qualifications
- Never sign a blank or incomplete return
- Review tax return before signing
Your refund
Refunds typically take about 21 calendar days. If you have questions about where your refund is, you can use the IRS web page, Where’s My Refund?