Taxpayers can mark their calendars for the official start of tax season: January 29, 2024.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that 2023 tax return filing opens in just a few weeks. Once filing opens, consumers have until April 15, 2024, to get their returns submitted to the IRS or to request an extension.
“As our transformation efforts continue to take hold, taxpayers will continue to see marked improvement in IRS operations in the upcoming filing season,” said IRS commissioner Danny Werfel. “IRS employees are working hard to make sure that new funding is used to help taxpayers by making the process of preparing and filing taxes easier.”
Tools and resources from the IRS
The IRS said its main goal this year is to make the filing process easier for consumers. They’ve expanded on some of the most helpful resources and are also introducing new resources this tax season, including:
Updates to the “Where’s My Refund?” tool, which will allow taxpayers to get more detailed descriptions of the processing of their refunds. Rather than generic messaging that doesn’t provide much information, the updates will make it possible to see more than just a “check back later” message. The IRS has also updated the resource to work better on mobile devices.
The IRS Online Account has been updated to include new features, like scheduling payments, canceling payments, validating bank accounts, a chat for questions, and the ability to revise payment plans.
Taxpayer Assistance Centers, which guide taxpayers through the filing process and are open for questions and concerns about filing, are set to have expanded hours this tax season.
The IRS’ toll-free helpline has more employees, which will cut down on wait times, making it easier for consumers to get their questions answered faster.
Direct File is a new way for taxpayers to file their taxes for free directly through the IRS. Direct File will be available starting in March, and consumers can check their eligibility, including participating states, in the coming weeks.
Expanding paperless processing on more tax forms will also make the filing and processing system easier and more streamlined than in years past.
Important dates for the 2024 tax season
While filing will kick off in a few weeks, consumers can start preparing now by gathering all relevant tax documents, and ensuring everything is in order in time for filing.
Additionally, the IRS has shared a list of helpful dates to consider as tax season kicks off:
January 12: IRS Free File opens
January 26: Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day
January 29: Filing season start date for individual tax returns
April 15: Due date for filing a tax return or requesting an extension
April 17: Due date for Maine and Massachusetts
October 15: Due date for extension filers
Photo Credit: Consumer Affairs News Department Images
Posted: 2024-01-10 11:53:17
