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On January 8th, the IRS issued a statement that said taxpayers can start filing their annual returns on January 29. People who need extra time beyond the return filing due date can still request an extension, which gives them until mid-October to file their personal tax return before incurring late filing penalties.
How early can I file my tax return?
The IRS said people can start working on their taxes on January 12 with a tax professional or software company, and file their taxes on January 29. Remember most institutions, have until Jan 30th to send you your supporting tax documents like W2’s and 1099’s.
Related: 2024 Tax Brackets & Standard Deductions
When will I get my tax refund?
The IRS urged people to file electronically to avoid delays in processing, and to avoid paper returns whenever possible.
Most taxpayers get their refunds within 21 days, but some returns may take more time to review, extending the period beyond 21 days.
When can I start tracking my refund?
The IRS said it will update its online Where's My Refund tool to provide more detailed information to taxpayers so they can track the stages .
To track your refund, you'll need your Social Security number, filing status and exact refund amount.
WATCH: How To Get Your Tax Refund Faster
Can I use the IRS’s New Direct File pilot program?
The IRS stated they are committed to significantly improving their services by providing taxpayers the tools, information and help they need to meet their tax filing obligations.
In 2024, the IRS is poised to launch their new filing service, via a pilot program that is slated to launch in mid March of 2024. If taxpayers are eligible and choose to utilize the service, they can electronically file their 2023 federal tax return (IRS Form 1040) for free.
The program is suppose to be available on your smartphone, laptop, tablet or desktop computers and will be presented in English as well as Spanish languages, and they state it will provide:
• A step-by-step guide to help understand your taxes
• Real-time online support from IRS customer service representatives
“We’re starting small to get it right. At first, the Direct File pilot will only be open to a small group of taxpayers, then we will open the Direct File pilot to more people later in the filing season to file their 2023 tax returns.”\
You can use the program report certain types of income, credits and deductions, and if you live in one of the following states:
• Arizona
• California
• Florida
• Massachusetts
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New York
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Washington state
• Wyoming
In 2023, if you did not live in one of the 12 participating states, you cannot participate in the pilot.
Direct File does not prepare state returns. However, if you live in Arizona, California, Massachusetts or New York, the Direct File pilot points you to a state-supported tool you can use to prepare and file your state tax returns.
The Direct File pilot guides Washington residents to a state site where they can apply for the Working Families Tax Credit.
Important Tax Season Dates for 2024 (Tax Year 2023)
January 12th: IRS Free File Opens
January 16th: Final Estimated Tax Payment Due for 2023 fourth quarter
January 29th: IRS Processing begins for individual tax return filings
January 30th: Employers required to file and send W-2's and 1099's to taxpayers
March 15th: Business Tax Returns are due, or Extension must be filed
April 15th: Personal Tax Returns (IRS FORM 1040) are due, or extension must be filed
April 17th: Due date for Maine and Massachusetts
September 15th: Due date for Business Return extension filers
October 15th:Due date for Individual extension filers
Sources
"GET YOUR TAX REFUND FASTER: Tax Refund Tips 2023" - A Penny Pinchers Guide to Personal Finance
"A closer look at the IRS Direct File pilot" - IRS.gov
"2024 tax filing season set for January 29; IRS continues to make improvements to help taxpayers" - IRS.com
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Frequently Asked Questions
When can taxpayers begin filing their 2023 federal tax returns in 2024?
The IRS officially begins processing individual tax returns on January 29, 2024, though taxpayers can start preparing their returns with a tax professional or software as early as January 12. It's worth noting that most employers and financial institutions have until January 30th to send out W-2s and 1099s, so some supporting documents may not arrive before the filing window opens.
How long does it typically take to receive a federal tax refund?
Most taxpayers receive their refunds within 21 days of filing, though some returns may require additional review and take longer. The IRS strongly encourages filing electronically and avoiding paper returns to minimize processing delays and receive refunds as quickly as possible.
What information is needed to track a federal tax refund?
Taxpayers can monitor their refund status using the IRS's Where's My Refund tool, which has been updated to provide more detailed stage-by-stage tracking information. To use the tool, you'll need your Social Security number, your filing status, and the exact dollar amount of your expected refund.
What is the IRS Direct File pilot program and who is eligible to use it?
The IRS Direct File pilot program, launching in mid-March 2024, allows eligible taxpayers to electronically file their 2023 federal Form 1040 for free directly with the IRS. The program is limited to residents of 12 participating states — including Arizona, California, Florida, Texas, New York, and others — and does not prepare state tax returns, though residents of Arizona, California, Massachusetts, and New York are directed to state-supported tools for their state filings.
What is the deadline to file a personal tax return, and what happens if more time is needed?
Personal tax returns (IRS Form 1040) are due on April 15, 2024, with the exception of Maine and Massachusetts residents, whose deadline falls on April 17. Taxpayers who need additional time can request a filing extension, which pushes the deadline to October 15, 2024, before late filing penalties apply.
About the Author
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Nick Charveron is a tax professional at IRS.com with expertise in U.S. federal and state tax law. Their articles are written to help taxpayers understand complex tax topics in plain English.