The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recently announced that the tax filing season for the year 2024 is set to kick off on January 29, 2024. This date signifies the official commencement of the IRS’s acceptance and processing of individual tax returns. The tax season holds immense importance for both individuals and businesses, as it necessitates taxpayers to meticulously review and reconcile their income, deductions, and credits from the previous year. Through this meticulous process, taxpayers ultimately ascertain their tax liability or determine their eligibility for a tax refund and more.
Understanding tax deadlines and refund timelines is crucial for effective personal financial planning since tax refunds can cover some of their expenses or pay off debts. The IRS consistently promotes the use of electronic filing, as it offers a quicker and more streamlined process for both the taxpayer and the IRS in terms of processing tax returns. By staying informed about tax deadlines and utilizing electronic filing methods, individuals can optimize their financial planning and ensure a smoother tax refund experience.
The IRS is anticipating that more than 128.7 million individual tax returns will be filed by the April 15, 2024 tax deadline. While the official acceptance and processing of tax returns will begin on January 29, individuals using software or tax professionals can start working on their taxes before that date. Software typically accepts electronic submissions and holds them until the IRS is ready to process them. Additionally, the IRS Free File will be available on IRS.gov starting January 12, and the IRS Direct File pilot will be rolled out in phases, with wide availability expected in mid-March for eligible taxpayers in participating states. The IRS is improving services to taxpayers, building on the success of the previous tax season and ongoing transformation efforts. IRS officials emphasized that the agency is dedicated to using new funding to make the process of preparing and filing taxes easier for taxpayers.
Improvements to Tax Filing Services
The IRS has announced the launch of its latest version of the IRS Free File Guided Tax Software service, which is now available online for taxpayers to prepare for the upcoming 2024 tax filing season. This online tool, now in its 22nd tax season, allows taxpayers across the U.S. to access free software products on the IRS website. In addition, taxpayers are encouraged to use mobile devices as an alternative to traditional computers. The IRS emphasized that taxpayers have multiple options for filing their taxes, including tax software, tax professionals, Free File, or free tax preparation services through IRS partners. The tool includes eight private-sector partners who will provide free options for filing tax returns online or in person for individuals with an average gross income of $79,000 or less in 2023. The IRS promotes this tool as a simple alternative for taxpayers to claim the full amount of tax benefits they qualify for, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit.
In order to evaluate customer support and technology requirements, the IRS has planned a limited-scope pilot for the upcoming 2024 tax season. This pilot program will not only help the IRS assess its operational challenges but also serve as a platform to test and identify successful solutions. The aim is to address the issues highlighted in the report submitted to Congress by the IRS earlier this year, ensuring improved efficiency and effectiveness in their operations.
2024 Tax Season Important Dates
| January 12, 2024 | IRS Free File opens. |
| January 16, 2024 | The due date for 2023 fourth quarter estimated tax payments. |
| January 26, 2024 | Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day. |
| January 29, 2024 | Filing season start date for individual tax returns. |
| April 15, 2024 | Due date of filing a tax return or to request an extension for most of the nation. |
| April 17, 2024 | The due date for Maine and Massachusetts. |
| October 15, 2024 | The due date for extension filers. |
IRS Audit Group
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