IRS Announces 2025 Tax Filing Season Begins January 29: What You Need to Know

Important Highlights for 2024 Tax Season

• The IRS will officially start accepting and processing 2023 tax returns on January 29, 2024.
• Taxpayers can begin preparing their returns before the official start date.
• The IRS Free File program launches early on January 12, offering free tax software access.
• For the first time, select taxpayers can file directly with the IRS online at no cost through the IRS Direct File pilot program.
• More than 128.7 million individual tax returns are expected to be filed by the April 15 deadline.

The 2024 tax season is just around the corner with the IRS confirming it will begin processing 2023 tax returns starting January 29. However, taxpayers don’t have to wait to get started on their taxes.

Beginning January 12, the IRS Free File program will be available, allowing eligible taxpayers to use free guided tax software. Some software providers will also accept completed returns early and hold them until filing opens. This program is available to individuals and families with an Adjusted Gross Income of $79,000 or less in 2023 through IRS.gov.

From January 29 onward, Free File Fillable Forms will be accessible to all filers regardless of income, enabling free e-filing.

In a new development, the IRS is rolling out the IRS Direct File pilot program, allowing eligible taxpayers in 13 states to file federal (and in some cases state) taxes directly through the IRS website without third-party services. This program is expected to be widely available by mid-March.

Residents in Arizona, California, Massachusetts, and New York can file both federal and state returns through this system. Taxpayers in Alaska, Florida, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming (states without income tax) can file federal taxes only.

This marks the first time taxpayers can file directly with the IRS online for free, bypassing services like TurboTax and H&R Block.

IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel emphasized ongoing improvements, stating, "As our transformation efforts take hold, taxpayers will continue to see marked improvement in IRS operations in the upcoming filing season."

The IRS expects over 128.7 million individual tax returns to be submitted by the April 15 deadline. While most refunds are issued within 21 days, some returns may require additional review causing delays, so taxpayers should manage expectations accordingly.

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