Race Day Live Tax season is officially here! The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is now processing tax returns, and taxpayers have until April 15, 2025, to file their 2024 taxes.
It’s a busy time for both taxpayers and the IRS, with over 140 million returns expected to be filed before the deadline.
Many people look forward to getting a refund, which is money returned if you paid more taxes throughout the year than you owe.
When Can I Expect My Refund?
If you’ve filed your tax return online, you could expect your refund within a month or less from the filing date.
The IRS aims to process e-filed returns quickly, and it typically takes up to 21 days for them to issue a refund. However, if you made any changes to your tax return or sent it by mail, it might take longer to process.
For those who have filed their tax returns online, the IRS has a tool called Where’s My Refund. This tool allows you to track your refund status and get an estimated refund date.
You can usually start checking your refund status within 24 hours after filing your tax return online for the current year. If you filed a prior year’s return, it takes about 3-4 days for the information to appear on the tool. For paper returns, it may take up to 4 weeks for your refund status to show up.
There are three possible statuses displayed when you use the tool:
- Return received: This means the IRS has received your tax return and is processing it.
- Refund approved: This status indicates that the IRS has approved your refund and is ready to send it.
- Refund sent: Your refund has been sent to your bank account or by mail, depending on the payment method you selected.
How Soon Can I Start Filing My Taxes?
The 2025 tax filing season started on January 27, 2025. This is the date the IRS began accepting tax returns for the year.
If you haven’t filed your return yet, don’t worry! You still have time to file before the April 15 deadline. But if you wait too long, you may risk missing the deadline and facing penalties.
When is the deadline to file taxes?
The deadline to file your taxes is April 15, 2025. If you need more time to file, you can request an extension. By filing for an extension, you get until October 15, 2025, to submit your tax return without facing penalties.
However, keep in mind that an extension only gives you more time to file — it does not extend the time to pay any taxes you owe. If you owe money, you must pay by April 15 to avoid any late payment penalties.
What if I Live in Ohio? When are My Taxes Due?
If you live in Ohio, the tax filing deadline is also April 15, 2025, just like for federal taxes. However, if you need an extension, you can file for one, and your new deadline will be October 15, 2025.
Make sure you stay on top of your deadlines, so you don’t miss out on important dates and avoid unnecessary penalties.
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IRS Direct File: A Free Filing Service for Some States
The IRS Direct File service allows taxpayers to file their tax returns online for free. This service is available in 25 states, but unfortunately, Ohio is not one of the states where this service is offered.
If you live in a state that supports IRS Direct File, you can easily prepare and submit your tax return without any cost.
There was some confusion about whether the program was canceled after Elon Musk reportedly “deleted” the group 18F, which helps oversee the service. However, TIME reports that this is not true, and the IRS Direct File service is still available in certain states.
What to Do if You Need Help with Your Taxes?
If you need help filing your taxes, there are several resources available. You can visit the IRS website for more information on how to file and track your refund.
You can also reach out to a tax professional if you’re unsure about how to file or if you need assistance with complex tax issues.
If you’re eligible for free tax filing services, don’t hesitate to take advantage of them. Many people can file their taxes for free, especially if their income is below a certain threshold.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify for free filing, check the IRS website for details on available programs.
Final Thoughts
Tax season can be stressful, but it’s important to stay organized and keep track of key dates. Remember, the deadline to file your taxes is April 15, 2025, and if you need more time, you can request an extension.
Don’t forget to use the IRS Where’s My Refund tool to track your refund status. If you live in Ohio, be aware that the IRS Direct File service is not available in your state, but you can still file your taxes using other online services or through a tax professional.
Stay on top of your tax responsibilities, and you’ll avoid penalties and have a smooth filing experience this year!
Disclaimer- Our team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and maintain its credibility. We are committed to providing honest and reliable content for our readers.
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