As the April 15th tax filing deadline approaches, the Internal Revenue Service has released several important announcements to help taxpayers navigate the 2025 filing season successfully. These updates cover everything from refund processing improvements to deadline extensions for disaster-affected areas, providing critical information for individuals and businesses preparing their tax returns.
Accelerating Your Tax Refund
The IRS has issued specific guidance aimed at helping taxpayers receive their refunds faster while avoiding common filing errors. By following these recommended practices, filers can significantly reduce processing delays and access their refund funds sooner.
One of the most effective ways to speed up your refund is to utilize the agency’s electronic filing options. E-filing not only processes returns faster than paper submissions but also includes built-in error checking to help prevent mistakes that could delay your refund.
“Electronic filing remains the fastest, most accurate way to submit your tax return,” notes the IRS in their recent announcement. “Combined with direct deposit, it provides the quickest path to receiving your refund.”
The agency also reminds taxpayers to double-check all personal information, including Social Security numbers, filing status, and dependent information before submitting returns. Simple errors in these areas represent some of the most common causes of processing delays.
Tax – Tracking Your Refund Status
For those who have already filed, the IRS has enhanced its “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov, making it easier than ever to monitor refund status.
The tool provides real-time updates on return receipt, refund approval, and payment issuance. Most refunds are issued within 21 days of electronic filing, though some returns requiring manual review may take longer. The IRS encourages taxpayers to use this online tracking system rather than calling, especially during high-volume periods around the Presidents Day holiday when phone wait times typically increase.
“The ‘Where’s My Refund?’ tool is updated daily, usually overnight,” explains the IRS. “Checking it multiple times throughout the day won’t yield different results and may create unnecessary system congestion.”
Tax – New Online Account Features
In a significant enhancement to taxpayer services, the IRS has added information return documents to their Individual Online Account tool. This update consolidates important tax records into a single digital location, making it considerably easier for taxpayers to gather the documentation needed for accurate filing.
The enhanced Online Account now displays various information returns that the IRS has received from third parties, such as W-2s from employers and 1099 forms reporting other income. By having these documents readily available in one place, taxpayers can more easily reference the information needed to complete their returns accurately.
“This enhancement represents our ongoing commitment to improving the taxpayer experience through digital innovation,” stated the IRS. “By providing secure, convenient access to tax documents, we’re helping taxpayers file more accurately while reducing the need for amendments or corrections later.”
To access these features, taxpayers must create or sign into their Individual Online Account on IRS.gov using secure authentication methods.
Important Deadlines to Note
While April 15, 2025, remains the standard filing deadline for most taxpayers, several specialized deadlines apply to specific groups:
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March 3, 2025: Filing deadline for farmers and fishers who chose to forgo making estimated tax payments by January.
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April 1, 2025: Final day for retirees who turned 73 in 2024 to begin receiving required minimum distributions (RMDs) from IRAs, 401(k)s, and similar retirement plans.
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April 15, 2025: Last day for eligible taxpayers to claim over $1.1 billion in unclaimed refunds from tax year 2021.
The IRS emphasizes that taxpayers should mark these dates on their calendars and plan accordingly to avoid potential penalties and interest charges.
Tax Relief for Disaster Victims
The IRS has announced tax relief for individuals and businesses affected by severe weather events, including those in parts of West Virginia impacted by storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides that began on February 15, 2025.
Affected taxpayers in designated disaster areas now have until November 3, 2025, to file various individual and business tax returns and make certain tax payments. This postponement covers not only 2024 individual tax returns and payments normally due on April 15 but also various business returns and tax-exempt organization returns.
“We recognize the challenges faced by those recovering from natural disasters,” the IRS noted. “This relief gives affected taxpayers additional time to focus on rebuilding their lives and businesses without worrying about immediate tax deadlines.”
Taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas don’t need to contact the IRS to receive this relief. The tax agency automatically identifies taxpayers located in the covered disaster area and applies filing and payment relief.
Electronic Payment Options
The IRS strongly encourages taxpayers to use electronic payment options when submitting tax payments. These methods offer faster, safer service compared to paper checks and help taxpayers avoid penalties and interest that might result from delayed payments.
Electronic payment options include:
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Direct Pay: A free service allowing secure payments directly from a checking or savings account.
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Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS): A free service requiring advance enrollment.
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Credit or Debit Card Payments: Available through approved payment processors (fees may apply).
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Digital Wallet Options: Including services like PayPal and Click to Pay.
“Electronic payments are processed immediately, providing immediate confirmation and reducing the risk of lost or delayed payments,” the IRS explains. “This helps taxpayers avoid unnecessary penalties and interest charges that might result from payment delays.”
Free Filing Options Expanded
The IRS continues to expand its free filing options for eligible taxpayers. Most notably, the agency’s Direct File program is now available in 25 states, offering a free, fast, and easy way to file directly with the IRS.
Direct File allows eligible taxpayers to prepare and submit their federal tax returns directly to the IRS without using third-party software. The service guides users through the filing process with step-by-step instructions and built-in help features.
In addition to Direct File, the IRS Free File program continues to provide free electronic filing options through partnerships with tax preparation companies. This program is available to taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes below certain thresholds.
“We want taxpayers to be aware of all free options available to them,” stated the IRS. “Many eligible filers unnecessarily pay for tax preparation services when they could file for free using one of our programs.”
Leadership Changes at the IRS
The IRS has announced significant leadership changes in early 2025. Gary Shapley has been named deputy chief for IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), effective March 19, 2025. In this role, Shapley will oversee 20 field offices and 14 foreign posts, including more than 2,000 special agents investigating tax fraud and other financial crimes.
Additionally, IRS Chief Operating Officer Melanie Krause will become acting IRS Commissioner following the retirement of Doug O’Donnell. These leadership transitions come at a critical time as the agency continues implementing improvements to taxpayer services and enforcement capabilities.
Protecting Against Tax Scams
The IRS has released its annual “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams for 2025, warning taxpayers, businesses, and tax professionals to remain vigilant against common schemes targeting tax and financial information.
These scams often increase during tax filing season as criminals attempt to exploit the urgency and stress associated with tax deadlines. The IRS advises taxpayers to be particularly cautious of:
- Phishing attempts claiming to be from the IRS or tax professionals
- Identity theft schemes aimed at stealing personal information
- Return preparer fraud from unscrupulous tax preparers
- Fake charities soliciting donations
The IRS reminds taxpayers that they will never initiate contact through email, text messages, or social media channels to request personal or financial information. Any such communications should be treated as suspicious and reported to the appropriate authorities.
Choosing a Qualified Tax Preparer
For taxpayers seeking professional assistance with their returns, the IRS has issued guidance on selecting qualified tax preparers. This decision is particularly important as preparers have access to sensitive personal and financial information.
When selecting a tax preparer, the IRS recommends:
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Checking credentials: Look for preparers with professional credentials such as CPAs, Enrolled Agents, or Annual Filing Season Program participants.
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Reviewing history: Research the preparer’s service history, including any complaints or disciplinary actions.
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Understanding fees: Obtain a clear understanding of preparation fees before engaging services. Be wary of preparers who base fees on a percentage of your refund.
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Ensuring availability: Confirm the preparer will be available after filing season in case questions arise about your return.
The IRS emphasizes that regardless of who prepares a tax return, the taxpayer remains legally responsible for all information on their return. This makes selecting a trustworthy, knowledgeable preparer essential.
As we move deeper into the 2025 tax filing season, these IRS updates and reminders serve as valuable guidance for taxpayers navigating their tax obligations. By leveraging electronic filing and payment options, tracking refunds using official tools, and remaining alert to potential scams, taxpayers can help ensure a smooth, efficient filing experience while protecting their personal and financial information.
