As the tax season is arriving, the internal Revenue Service provider is reminding people of simple steps they can take now to put together to file their 2024 federal tax returns. This reminder is part of the IRS's "Get ready" marketing campaign to help everybody prepare for the upcoming filing season in early 2025. As the IRS keeps its ancient transformation work, the employer maintains introducing new online equipment as well as expanding and updating other virtual tools. Those are designed to assist taxpayers and make tax filing less difficult.

How to Prepare for 2025 Tax Filing Season? 

“Our awareness of the IRS is still on making tax submission less difficult and more handy for all of us,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “We’ve added more virtual equipment to help taxpayers. But as tax season quickly processes, the IRS reminds taxpayers there are critical steps they are able to take now to get equipped for 2025. From reviewing withholding to signing up for an IRS online Account, there are more than one approaches for humans to help make the 2025 filing season simpler.” Some of the tips for making filing season easy are discussed below: 

IRS Online Account Access 

• View details from the most recent tax return, including adjusted gross income.
• Request an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN).
• Access account transcripts, including wage and income records.
• Sign tax forms like powers of attorney and tax information authorizations.
• View and edit language preferences and alternative media (e.g., braille, large print).
• Receive and view over 200 IRS electronic notices.
• View, make, and cancel tax payments.
• Set up or change payment plans.
• Check your IRS account balance.
• New users must have a photo ID for identity verification.

Gather all the Tax Documents

• Well-organized tax records help ensure a complete and accurate return.
• Organized records help avoid errors that can delay refunds.
• Proper records may help identify overlooked deductions or credits.
• Most income is taxable, including unemployment, refund interest, and gig economy income.
• Gather essential forms like Forms W-2 and other income documents.
• Notify the IRS of any address changes.

Check Withholding Before the End of 2024 

• Use IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to check tax withholding.
• Useful for those who owed taxes or got large refunds last year.
• Helpful for life changes like marriage, divorce, or having a child.
• Update withholding with Form W-4 through your employer.
• Limited time left to make changes for 2024.
• Act quickly to adjust withholding before year-end.

Get Faster Refunds with Direct Deposits 

• Refunds can be directed to a bank, app, or reloadable debit card with routing/account numbers.
• Contact your bank or provider if routing/account numbers are unavailable.
• Paper checks are sixteen times more likely to be lost than direct deposit refunds.
• Individuals without a bank account can open one through FDIC-insured banks or credit unions.
• Use the National Credit Union Locator tool to find a credit union.
• Veterans can use the Veterans Benefits Banking Program to find participating institutions.

Volunteers to Help Others 

• The IRS is seeking volunteers for VITA and TCE programs.
• VITA and TCE offer free tax preparation services to eligible taxpayers.
• Volunteers can help individuals in need of tax assistance.
• Interested individuals can sign up on IRS.gov.
• Community partners are involved in supporting these programs.

Use IRS Online Tools 

• IRS.gov offers valuable online tools for taxpayers.
• The Individual Online Account is available 24/7.
• Tools help file and pay taxes, track refunds, and access account info.
• Taxpayers can get answers to tax questions on IRS.gov.
• Bookmark IRS.gov for easy access to resources.

Choose Right Tax Professionals 

• Tax professionals play a key role in the U.S. tax system.
• Certified public accountants (CPAs) and Enrolled Agents are among the professionals who help with taxes.
• Attorneys and other skilled individuals also assist taxpayers with tax filings.
• It’s important to choose a skilled and trustworthy tax professional.
• A poor choice in tax preparer can harm taxpayers financially.
• The IRS offers tips for selecting a qualified tax preparer.
• Most tax professionals provide excellent service, but careful selection is important.
• Choosing the wrong preparer can lead to costly mistakes.
• Use the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers to find qualified professionals.
• The IRS Directory lists preparers with credentials and select qualifications.

Conclusion 

Making ready for the 2025 tax submitting season can be simplified by taking proactive steps now. With the aid of the use of the IRS's online equipment, organizing tax facts, reviewing withholding, and making sure quicker refunds through direct deposit, taxpayers can streamline the system. Moreover, selecting a certified tax expert and utilizing unfastened volunteer applications like VITA and TCE can in addition ease the load. With those sources and guidelines, taxpayers can ensure a smoother, more green tax season and keep away from expensive mistakes. Visit IRS.gov for greater steerage and to get right of entry to those precious equipment.