Essential tips for smooth filing and maximizing your refund

[UNITED STATES] The 2025 tax season is officially underway, with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) having opened its doors for tax return submissions on January 27. As millions of Americans prepare to file their taxes for the 2024 tax year, it's crucial to understand the key changes, deadlines, and strategies that can help ensure a smooth filing process and potentially maximize your refund.

The IRS projects that more than 140 million individual tax returns will be filed before the federal deadline of April 15, 2025. This year's tax season comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities, making it essential for taxpayers to stay informed and prepared.

A recent survey conducted by Credit Karma revealed a significant trend: nearly 40% of individuals plan to rely on their tax refunds to manage their finances this year1. This statistic underscores the importance of timely and accurate filing, as well as the need to explore all available options for maximizing refunds.

Free Tax Filing Options: Expanding Accessibility

One of the most notable developments for the 2025 tax season is the expansion of free tax filing options. Financial experts highlight several avenues available to taxpayers looking to submit their returns without incurring costs.

IRS Direct File Program

The IRS's Direct File program has seen significant growth, with more than 30 million taxpayers potentially eligible for this complimentary tax filing service1. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, this initiative has expanded its reach to include 25 states and will accommodate a broader range of tax situations compared to previous years.

Former IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel emphasized the program's expansion during a press briefing in early January, stating:

"We've made substantial improvements to the Direct File program, ensuring that more taxpayers can take advantage of this free service. Our goal is to simplify the tax filing process and make it accessible to as many eligible individuals as possible."

IRS Free File

Another valuable option for taxpayers is the IRS Free File program. This service provides free guided tax preparation software for individuals whose adjusted gross income (AGI) was $84,000 or below in 20241. It's estimated that around 70% of taxpayers meet the criteria for IRS Free File, presenting a significant opportunity for cost savings.

However, Tim Hugo, executive director of the Free File Alliance, notes that only a small portion of eligible taxpayers currently take advantage of this service. He encourages more individuals to explore this option:

"The IRS Free File program is an underutilized resource that can save eligible taxpayers both time and money. We urge those who qualify to consider this option as they prepare their 2024 tax returns."

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

For those seeking personalized assistance, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers a valuable resource. This IRS-managed initiative provides complimentary tax preparation services to eligible individuals, generally those with an AGI of $67,000 or less1. VITA can be particularly helpful for taxpayers with more complex situations who still qualify for free assistance.

Important Deadlines and Extensions

While the standard federal tax deadline remains April 15, 2025, for most filers, it's crucial to be aware of potential extensions and special circumstances that may apply to your situation.

Natural Disaster Relief

The IRS has granted extensions to file returns and settle taxes owed for certain individuals affected by natural disasters, such as the California wildfires1. These extensions can provide much-needed relief for those dealing with the aftermath of such events.

Additionally, Congress has extended tax relief for specific individuals affected by federally declared natural disasters from 2020 through early 2025. This extension may allow some filers to claim larger deductions for their losses, potentially increasing their refunds1.

Strategies for Accurate and Timely Filing

While the prospect of receiving a refund may tempt many to file as quickly as possible, experts advise a more measured approach to ensure accuracy and avoid potential delays.

Gather All Necessary Documents

Brian Long, a certified public accountant and senior tax advisor at Wealth Enhancement in Minneapolis, emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation:

"It's crucial to collect all necessary tax documents before filing. Failing to do so could result in the IRS flagging your return due to missing or incorrect details, which may delay processing."

Long suggests using your prior year's tax return as a reference to ensure you've accounted for all relevant income sources and potential deductions1.

Be Patient with Document Arrivals

While many tax documents typically arrive in January, it's important to note that some may not be available until mid-February or even March1. Patience in collecting all necessary paperwork can prevent the need for amended returns and reduce the risk of errors that could delay your refund.

Maximizing Your Refund: Key Considerations

As you prepare to file your 2024 tax return, consider the following strategies to potentially increase your refund:

Review all available deductions and credits: Ensure you're taking advantage of all eligible deductions and credits, including those related to education expenses, energy-efficient home improvements, and charitable contributions.

Consider itemizing: While the standard deduction has increased in recent years, itemizing may still be beneficial for some taxpayers. Calculate both options to determine which yields the greater benefit.

Contribute to retirement accounts: You may be able to make last-minute contributions to certain retirement accounts, such as traditional IRAs, which could lower your taxable income for 2024.

Check for unclaimed refunds from previous years: The IRS reports that millions of dollars in refunds go unclaimed each year. If you haven't filed in previous years, you may be entitled to additional funds.

The 2025 tax season presents both opportunities and challenges for American taxpayers. By staying informed about free filing options, important deadlines, and strategies for accurate filing, you can navigate this tax season with confidence. Remember to gather all necessary documents, explore all available deductions and credits, and consider seeking professional advice if your tax situation is complex.

As you prepare to file your 2024 tax return, keep in mind that thorough preparation and attention to detail can not only ensure a smooth filing process but also potentially maximize your refund. With the right approach, you can make the most of this tax season and set yourself up for financial success in the year ahead.