The 2025 tax season has commenced, as announced by the IRS.

• The IRS will start accepting and processing individual tax returns for 2024 on January 27, 2025, marking the beginning of the 2025 tax filing season.
• To avoid penalties and interest, most taxpayers must submit their federal returns and settle any outstanding taxes by April 15 this year.
• Several free tax filing options are available to taxpayers, including Direct File and IRS Free File.

The IRS announced on Friday that the 2025 tax filing season will commence on January 27, marking the first day they will accept and process individual tax returns for 2024.

To avoid penalties and interest, most taxpayers must file federal returns and pay taxes owed by April 15 this year. However, filers affected by natural disasters may have more time.

Not drinking for a month can help you save money. IRS warns that missing a quarterly tax payment could result in unexpected penalties. AARP study reveals that the prices of the top 25 Medicare Part D drugs have nearly doubled.

IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel stated on Friday that this tax season, individuals will have access to more tools and features to aid them in filing their taxes, marking a significant period of progress for the IRS.

Expanded free filing options for 2025

In the 2025 season, Direct File, the IRS' free tax filing program, will be accessible to eligible taxpayers in 25 states, an increase from the 12 states available in the 2024 season.

This year, the states participating are Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington state, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Taxpayers who are eligible can use IRS Free File to prepare their tax returns through software partners starting on January 27. The service opened on January 10.