The IRS has announced the start of the 2025 tax season

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on Friday announced details of the start of the 2025 tax filing season, which begins in earnest later this month.

Tax filing season opens Monday, January 27 for taxpayers filing tax returns for tax year 2024. The IRS said it expects more than 140 million individual tax returns to file for the 2024 federal tax year, which is due Tuesday. , April 15

According to the agency, about half of the returns are expected to be completed with the help of a tax professional. He said they should use it.

This tax filing season could see new tools for taxpayers amid IRS modernization efforts. Among the improvements are making tax return information more accessible with text and voice virtual assistants, expanded features on the IRS Personal Online Account, access to dozens of tax forms for mobile phone and tablet users, and plans to target broader fraud and taxpayers.

IRS increases 401(k), other 2025 retirement plan contribution limits.

The IRS expanded the Direct File program last year, which will be available to taxpayers in 25 states when tax season officially begins later this month, after the program was used in a pilot program in 12 states last year.

Direct File is similar to commercial tax software and allows taxpayers to log into a data entry tool to import information directly from their IRS accounts — such as personal information, taxpayer IP PINs and certain information from W-2 forms. A new chatbot is also available to help Live File users navigate the qualification process.

“This has been a historic time of reform for the IRS and people will see more tools and features to help them file their taxes this tax season,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “These taxpayer-focused reforms are the most important reforms we’ve made so far, but they’re just the beginning for the IRS. More can be done with continued investment in the nation’s tax system.”

The IRS is about to send 1 million Americans unclaimed tax credits.

The IRS was in the process of updating its technology to help taxpayers. (Photo by J. David Ake/Getty Images/Getty Images)

The IRS notices that most tax refunds are issued in less than 21 calendar days, leaving taxpayers wondering, “Where’s my refund?” To check the status of their 2024 income tax refund within 24 hours of submitting an email at IRS.gov.

For taxpayers filing paper returns, refund information is normally available four weeks after filing. “Where’s my refund?” Device updates overnight, so you don’t need to check more than once a day.

“The easiest, safest, and fastest way to receive your refund is to file electronically and choose direct deposit. Like the Treasury’s Office of Financial Services, paper refund checks are just fine.” “Like a lost, misdirected check, it’s 16 times more likely to be stolen or unpaid,” the IRS wrote.

Get FOX BUSINESS on the go by clicking here

Taxpayers who don’t have a bank account should check the FDIC and National Credit Union Administration websites, and veterans can use the Veterans Benefits Banking Program to find participating financial institutions, he added.