The IRS has officially announced the beginning of the 2025 tax filing season

The IRS has officially announced the beginning of the 2025 tax filing season: The agency will begin accepting 2024 federal tax returns on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025.

The IRS has announced that the 2025 tax filing season will officially begin on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, when the agency starts accepting 2024 federal tax returns. This date also marks the expanded availability of the IRS Direct File program, which now allows residents in 25 states to file their federal returns for free, following its pilot launch in 12 states last year.

The IRS anticipates receiving over 140 million individual tax returns by the April 15 deadline, with roughly one-third of filers expected to receive refunds.

Key Tax Deadlines

• January 27, 2025: The IRS begins processing returns. Early filers can submit their returns now on the IRS website, where they will be automatically filed on this date.
• January 31, 2025: Employers and financial institutions must provide W-2 and 1099 forms for 2024 by this date.
• April 15, 2025: Federal tax returns are due by midnight local time. This is also the deadline for most states with income taxes.
• Residents in FEMA-declared disaster areas may qualify for extended deadlines for state and federal filings.

Free Tax Filing Options

The IRS’s expanded Direct File program now supports taxpayers in 25 states and covers more tax scenarios, including:

• Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, and Premium Tax Credit claims
• Deductions for health savings accounts, student loan interest, and educator expenses

Eligibility for Direct File includes:

• Being a W-2 employee
• Receiving Social Security or unemployment benefits
• Having investment income under $1,500

For taxpayers in states without Direct File access, the IRS Free File service is available for those with an adjusted gross income of $79,000 or less. Additionally, many tax software providers, including TurboTax and H&R Block, offer free tiers for simple returns.

Banking app Chime has introduced a free in-app tax filing program that supports itemized deductions and state and federal returns.

Refund Timeline

• Electronic Filers: Refunds are typically issued within 21 days if filed accurately and direct deposit is selected.
• Paper Filers: Refunds may take at least four weeks to process.
• Chime Users: Members filing through the app with direct deposit could receive refunds up to six days early.

For faster refunds, online tax software like TurboTax or H&R Block can streamline filing and direct deposit options.