E-file start and stop dates for federal returns

Although the IRS will not start accepting and processing tax returns until Jan. 29, people don’t need to wait until then to work on their taxes if they’re using online tax filing software packages like TurboTax and H&R Block. With Live Assisted, you prepare your taxes at your own pace and on your own time by answering simple questions about your life and taxes. When you need help from a tax expert, just select the “Live Help” button, and we’ll connect you. You can discuss your questions over the phone, via live chat, or via one-way video on your screen. When you’re done preparing your taxes, you can get a tax expert to review your return to make sure it’s 100% correct.When you’re satisfied and ready to file, simply pay and e-file or print your tax return. When you need help from a tax expert, just select the “Live trial balance Help” button, and we’ll connect you.

Help and support

You can also just submit some or all of the money you owe the IRS and indicate that it’s for an extension. Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions tax season on our website or click to take an action on their website. Most software companies accept electronic submissions and then hold them until the IRS is ready to begin processing later this month. Check if you qualify for free tax help from IRS-certified volunteers. Share information about IRS Direct File with family, friends, staff, clients, customers and colleagues on your websites and in e-Newsletters and social media accounts.

Frequently asked questions

Exact refund dates are based on IRS processing times and can be found in IRS Publication 2043 and IRS Topic 152 for both e-filed and mailed returns. The IRS has confirmed it will start processing 2024 tax filings and refunds from the week of January 27th, 2025. Other important tax deadlines and dates are shown in the chart below. The following TurboTax Online offers may be available for tax year 2024. Intuit reserves the right to modify or terminate any offer at any time for any reason in its sole discretion.

Early IRS Refund Processing With Hub Testing

Your tax expert will be able to see a read-only version of your tax return to assist them in addressing your questions. Your personal information (like SSN) will be masked so the expert can’t see it. You can speak to your tax expert on the phone, through a live one-way video call on your screen (you can see your tax expert, but they can’t see you), with an independent TurboTax Verified Pro where available. Your personal information (like SSN) will be masked so the expert can’t see it. All features, services, support, prices, offers, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Taxpayers who have yet to file a https://comercial.mnprogram.com/2025/02/17/understanding-form-990-a-guide-for-nonprofits/ tax return might consider seeking assistance from a tax preparer.

These are the items were you can pay a premium and where the tax software providers can differentiate themselves. The filing deadline for the regular tax season will be April 15th, 2025. If you’re a service member (active or transitioning), you can access free tax software and filing. There is also LIVE chat support and phone assistance available if needed. GOBankingRates’ editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information.

• After starting in Live Full Service, we’ll ask you some questions to learn about your tax situation and create a personalized tax planner for you.
• People should report all their taxable income and wait to file until they receive all income related documents.
• Prices for paid products are determined based on the product you use and the time of print or e-file and are subject to change without notice.
• Maine allows e-filing for two prior years by individual taxpayers, but only supports the current year and one prior year for business returns.

Guided Tax Software

More taxpayers in more states will be able to file their 2024 federal taxes directly with the IRS for free. This filing season, Direct File includes new features to make filing taxes quicker and easier. The deadline to file a 2024 tax return and pay any tax owed is April 15, 2025. Direct File is open until October 15, 2025 for people who may have additional time to file. IRS Free File will open Jan. 12, 2024, when participating software companies will accept completed tax returns and hold them until they can be filed electronically with the IRS.

Experts help as you do your taxes

This includes returns filed via the leading tax software providers or directly via the IRS website for lower income filers. Once the IRS accepts returns, and if you filed early, your tax return will be automatically submitted to the IRS for processing. Tax software companies that do accept electronic submissions early (for tax refund advance loans) will generally hold your return and only send to the the IRS when they start accepting and processing returns. You can have your refund directly deposited into a free to open checking or savings account with Credit Karma Money™ . Sign up when you’re ready to finish and file your taxes with TurboTax and begin using your account right away.Or, you can have your refund mailed as a check.