IRS Tax Refunds Begin in 2025 – New Payment Schedule Announced

The 2023 tax season is now behind us, wrapping up on October 15 with the last of the extensions. With the IRS shifting focus to 2024, it’s time for taxpayers to start preparing for the new season. The official start date for filing taxes online usually falls in late January—last year it was January 29—and it’s likely to be around the same time for 2024, though the IRS will confirm the exact date closer to year-end. For those filing in person, tax submissions can be mailed starting January 1, but refunds won’t begin processing until mid-February.

Updates

The IRS continues its efforts to boost efficiency for 2024. These improvements have been in progress for several years, focusing on speeding up return processing and minimizing wait times for taxpayer inquiries. One major initiative this year is the expansion of the IRS’s free electronic filing service, Direct File, introduced last year.

Direct File aims to simplify the tax filing process for those who typically rely on third-party software like TurboTax. The IRS’s version allows taxpayers to submit their returns directly without third-party involvement. If you follow the steps correctly, refunds could be issued within eight days of filing, especially if you opt for direct deposit. For comparison, standard online filings take up to 21 days to process, while paper returns can stretch beyond four weeks, especially if they require corrections.

Direct File Expansion

The Direct File program is expanding from 12 pilot states in 2023 to 24 states for the 2024 season. Taxpayers who lived in one of these states for the entire year will qualify: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, or Wyoming. However, if you moved partway through the year, you’ll need to use a traditional tax filing service or software.

Refunds

The types of returns eligible for processing through Direct File are expanding to accommodate more complex situations. This means a broader range of taxpayers will be able to use the service, accelerating refund turnarounds. These improvements are intended to free up IRS resources, allowing the agency to focus on combating tax fraud and assisting individuals with more complicated cases.

Filing Timeline

Here’s a quick breakdown of the 2024 tax season timeline to keep in mind:

Event	Date
In-person tax submissions open	January 1, 2024
Online tax filing begins	Late January 2024 (exact date TBA)
Refunds start processing	February 15, 2024

The mid-February start date for refunds applies even if you file early. The IRS won’t begin issuing certain credits, like the child tax credit, until then to ensure only one person per household claims them.

When to Get Help

If you’re uncertain whether you need to file taxes this year, it’s wise to seek advice from a tax professional. Many tax credits and refunds require filing to claim them, so failing to submit your taxes could mean missing out on money you’re entitled to. While the IRS website is a helpful resource, contacting the agency directly or working with a tax specialist can clarify your situation.

As we head into the 2024 tax season, staying informed about these changes will help make the filing process smoother. Whether it’s taking advantage of the expanded Direct File program or knowing when to expect your refund, early preparation is key.

FAQs