If you have been delaying the task of filing your taxes, you’re certainly not alone. However, it’s crucial to act quickly, as the deadline is approaching this Tuesday. The clock is ticking, and it’s time to take action.
As of March 28, only 89.6 million out of the anticipated 140 million individual income tax returns had been submitted to the IRS. Keep in mind that these returns pertain to the 2024 tax year, even though we are currently in the 2025 tax filing season. This means that a significant number of Americans are racing against the clock to complete their tax obligations.
Instead of wasting valuable time searching the internet for answers to your tax-related queries, we have compiled essential last-minute tips that will help streamline the filing process and ensure you meet the deadline.
Below are 11 commonly asked questions regarding taxes for the 2025 tax season, accompanied by informative answers.
Understanding the Tax Filing Deadline for 2025
For the majority of Americans, the deadline to file your 2025 taxes is April 15. This means that Tuesday marks the final day to submit federal income tax returns to the IRS. Additionally, this date is significant because it coincides with the state tax deadline for most of the 41 states that impose income taxes.
However, it’s important to note that the IRS has extended the due date in specific areas affected by natural disasters. For instance, individuals residing in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina have until May 1 to file their taxes. This extension also applies to certain regions of Alaska, New Mexico, Tennessee, and Virginia. Residents of Los Angeles County in California are granted an extension until October 15, while taxpayers in all of Kentucky and parts of West Virginia have until November 3.
These extensions are automatically granted based on the taxpayer’s registered address, so if you are eligible, there is no need to take any additional steps to benefit from this relief.
Key Dates for Filing Taxes in 2025
Unless you have received an extension or qualify for IRS disaster relief, the last day to submit your tax return is Tuesday. To ensure that your submission is considered “on time,” you must electronically file by 11:59 p.m. Alternatively, if you are mailing your tax documents, the envelope must be postmarked by April 15 to meet the deadline.
Impact of DOGE on Taxes: What You Need to Know
Tesla CEO Elon Musk, alongside his initiative known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has targeted what they consider excessive spending by the IRS. Estimates suggest that the IRS may see staff reductions ranging from 18,200 to 50,000 employees. Experts believe these cuts could lead to a significant decrease in revenue collection, diminished compliance efforts, and delays in the agency’s ongoing modernization initiatives. This could also jeopardize the continuation of programs like Direct File.
Should You Hire a Tax Professional or File Your Taxes Yourself?
The decision to complete your taxes yourself or hire a professional is a matter of personal preference. If your tax situation is straightforward, it may be quicker and more efficient to handle your 2024 tax return independently. However, if your financial situation is intricate, engaging a professional tax preparer could save you time and alleviate stress by ensuring your return is accurate and optimized for potential deductions.
No matter which option you select, there are avenues to file your taxes for free. Millions of individuals qualify to file their taxes at no cost through programs such as Direct File and IRS Free File. For those who prefer professional assistance, initiatives like Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) offer free services to eligible taxpayers.
Reasons You Might Owe Taxes This Year
If you typically receive a tax refund but find yourself owing money to the IRS this year, it may be due to significant changes in your life circumstances. Have you recently gotten married? Did your dependent reach adulthood? Have you experienced a substantial change in income?
Consider using Tax Day as an opportunity to reevaluate your withholding. You can do this by submitting a new Form W-4 to your employer; however, this adjustment will only impact your future tax situations and not the current obligations for 2024.
To lower your taxable income for 2024, think about making contributions to a traditional individual retirement account (IRA) before Tuesday. The maximum contribution limit for an IRA is $7,000 ($8,000 if you are aged 50 or older), with deductions varying based on your filing status, income level, and whether you participate in an employer-sponsored retirement plan.
Free Tax Filing Options Available to You
There are numerous methods to file your taxes for free. One option is the IRS Direct File, a relatively new initiative that allows residents in 25 states to file their federal taxes directly with the government at no cost. Click here to see if you qualify for this program.
If you do not qualify for Direct File, you can still file your taxes for free via the IRS Free File, a collaborative effort between the government and online tax preparation services. Eligibility for this program is based on income: Taxpayers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $84,000 or less for 2024 can use this service. For those earning above this threshold, Fillable Forms are available, which require more tax knowledge but remain free to use.
Many tax preparation companies, including TurboTax, H&R Block, Cash App Taxes, and FreeTaxUSA, also provide their own free filing options for eligible users.
Timeline for Receiving Your Tax Refund
If the IRS owes you a tax refund, you can typically expect to receive it within 21 calendar days after your return has been submitted. The quickest way to receive your refund is to file electronically and select direct deposit as the preferred method for receiving your funds.
Tracking Your Tax Refund: Where Is It?
You can easily monitor the status of your tax refund using the IRS Where’s My Refund? tool. Visit this webpage and click on the “Check Your Refund” button. Follow the prompts by entering your Social Security number, tax filing status, and refund amount to obtain the current status of your refund.
If you believe your tax refund is taking longer than anticipated, it may be delayed due to specific credits, errors on your return, or banking processing times. Keep an eye on your mailbox, as the IRS will communicate with you via mail regarding any corrections related to your tax return.
It’s important to remember that the IRS will never reach out to you via text or email. In fact, they rarely make phone calls. If you receive a text message claiming to be from the IRS about your refund, it is likely a scam.
Steps to Request a Tax Filing Extension
If you require additional time to file your taxes, you can request an extension from the IRS. It is essential to understand that while this extension grants you an additional six months to complete your paperwork, it does not provide extra time to pay any taxes owed.
You can utilize IRS Free File to request an extension, regardless of your income level. Alternatively, you can make a payment while indicating that you are filing for an extension. Lastly, you can submit Form 4868 either by mail, online, or through a tax preparer.
Contacting the IRS: How to Get Assistance
Recently, the IRS has invested considerable resources into updating its website, making it a valuable first stop for assistance. The Interactive Tax Assistant is a helpful search tool that can answer questions regarding filing requirements, tax forms, retirement distributions, gambling winnings, inheritances, tips, deductions, tax credits, and more.
If you need further assistance, individuals can contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time to speak with a representative, although please be aware that wait times may be lengthy depending on call volume.
Consequences of Failing to File Your Taxes
The implications of not filing your taxes largely depend on whether you owe money to the IRS. If you have a tax liability and fail to submit your return by the deadline, the IRS will impose penalties and interest. Additionally, the agency may file a substitute return on your behalf, which could result in the loss of credits and deductions you would otherwise qualify for.
If you do not owe any taxes, the IRS is unlikely to impose penalties. However, it’s important to note that you cannot claim a tax refund if you do not file. Moreover, after three years, any unclaimed tax refunds will expire, resulting in lost funds if you never file.
In general, it is advisable for everyone required to file—especially most single individuals under the age of 65 with gross incomes of at least $14,600—to submit a tax return to maintain an accurate income record with the federal government. This information can be critical for accessing benefits such as stimulus checks, financial aid for college, and Social Security.
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