IRS Announces Start of 2025 Tax Season with New Tools and Features

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that the 2025 tax season will commence on Monday, January 27, 2025. This year, taxpayers can look forward to expanded and enhanced tools resulting from the IRS's historic modernization efforts.

Key Dates and Expectations

The IRS anticipates over 140 million individual tax returns for the 2024 tax year to be filed by the federal deadline of Tuesday, April 15. With more than half of these returns expected to be filed with the assistance of tax professionals, the IRS strongly encourages taxpayers to use trusted tax pros to avoid potential scams and schemes.

Modernization and New Tools

The 2025 tax filing season will showcase the IRS's ongoing progress in modernization, featuring new tools and enhancements to assist taxpayers. Improvements since last tax season include:

• Increased Access to Tax Account Information: Enhanced text and voice virtual assistants.
• Expanded Features on the IRS Individual Online Account: More access to dozens of tax forms via mobile devices.
• Enhanced Scam Alerts: Expanded alerts for scams and schemes threatening taxpayers.

Direct File Program Expansion

The IRS has expanded the Direct File program, which will be available starting January 27 to taxpayers in 25 states. This includes 12 states from last year's pilot and 13 new states. The IRS Free File program also opens today, providing millions of taxpayers nationwide access to free software tools offered by trusted IRS Free File partners.

Continued Success and Service Improvements

Building on the success of the 2023 and 2024 tax filing seasons, the IRS aims to maintain high levels of service. The past two seasons saw service levels at approximately 85% and wait times averaging less than 5 minutes on main phone lines. The IRS plans to continue this performance with similar metrics in the upcoming filing season.

Commissioner’s Statement

"This has been a historic period of improvement for the IRS, and people will see additional tools and features to help them with filing their taxes this tax season," said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. "These taxpayer-focused improvements are important, but they are just the beginning of what the IRS needs to do. More can be done with continued investment in the nation’s tax system."

Get Ready for Filing

The IRS encourages taxpayers to visit the Get Ready page on IRS.gov for steps to streamline the filing process and access various resources before, during, and after filing their federal tax return.

Direct File Details

On January 27, eligible taxpayers in 25 states can use Direct File to file their taxes directly with the IRS for free. The program includes new features to make filing quicker and easier, such as a data import tool and a new chat bot for guidance. Live chat will be available in English and Spanish, and additional authentication options will enhance customer service.

Expanded Coverage

This year, Direct File will cover more tax situations, including:

• Child and Dependent Care Credit
• Premium Tax Credit
• Credit for the Elderly and Disabled
• Retirement Savings Contribution Credits

Direct File will also support deductions for Health Savings Accounts, student loan interest, and educator expenses. The Treasury Department estimates that over 30 million taxpayers will be eligible to use Direct File across the 25 states.

Direct File is a web-based service accessible on mobile phones, laptops, tablets, or desktop computers, guiding taxpayers through a series of questions to prepare their federal tax return step-by-step. Once completed, the system directs users to state tools for state tax filings.

Stay informed and take advantage of these new tools and features to make your 2025 tax filing season as smooth as possible.