The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a raft of advice for the public as tax season gets underway.
Why It Matters
Tax season opened earlier this week on Monday, January 27. People are now able to file and pay their tax returns for 2024.
What To Know
The IRS has issued six points that people need to remember as they prepare their returns.
Gather Your Paperwork
The IRS reminds taxpayers to gather all important and necessary paperwork and records needed for filing a complete and accurate return. Errors and omissions can result in missing a deduction or credit and slow down the processing of your return and ultimately your refund.
Before filing, taxpayers should have the following to hand:
Social Security numbers for everyone listed on the tax return.
Bank account and routing numbers.
Tax forms such as W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, records of digital asset transactions and other income documents.
Form 1095-A – Health Insurance Marketplace statement.
IRS letters they may have that cite an amount received for a certain tax deduction or credit.
Stock image of a person using a laptop and a calculator. Stock image of a person using a laptop and a calculator. GETTY
Report All Income
The second thing to remember is that taxpayers need to report all types of income on the return to avoid receiving a notice or a bill from the IRS. As well as your regular work, you should report:
Goods created and sold on online platforms.
Investment income.
Part-time or seasonal work.
Self-employment or other business activities.
Services provided and paid through mobile apps.
File Online
While paper filing is accepted, the easiest way to file your tax return is online and is the fastest way to get a refund.
“Plus, tax software helps taxpayers avoid mistakes,” the IRS said. “It does the math and guides people through each section of their tax return.”
Use IRS Free Resources
Taxpayers should consider using the IRS’ free resources to help with your filing:
IRS Free File provides a free online alternative to filing a paper tax return to any individual or family who earned $84,000 or less in 2024.
Direct File is available in 25 participating states for eligible taxpayers to file online directly with the IRS with no charge. New this year, Direct File supports reporting more income types and claiming more credits and deductions. The free web-based service is available in English and Spanish and provides access to IRS customer service representatives through a live chat feature.
Those who make more than $84,000 per year and are comfortable preparing their own taxes can use the IRS’ Free File Fillable Forms. These are the electronic version of IRS paper forms.
People who generally make $67,000 or less, persons with disabilities, taxpayers who speak limited English and those who are 60 years of age and older, can also find free one-on-one tax preparation help around the nation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.
The Department of Defense provides MilTax as a free tax resource for the military community, veterans and their family members, allowing them to file up to three tax returns free of charge with no income limits.
Choose the Right Tax Filing Option
The IRS advises using tax filing options based on personal situations and how comfortable you are with preparing taxes.
Users can personally file taxes, use an online filing services, or hire a tax professional.
“Most tax return preparers are professional, honest and provide excellent service to their clients,” the government agency said. “However, dishonest tax return preparers who file false income tax returns do exist.”
The IRS has a Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications if you need to scout for some help.
Use Online Resources
Use online resources at IRS.gov to quickly get answers to tax questions, check a refund status, or pay taxes. Online tools and resources are always available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and there’s no wait time or appointment needed.
What’s Next
The tax filing and payment deadline is April 15, 2025.
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