A new year can mean many new, exciting things. But it also means that tax season is just around the corner.
Soon Americans will have to do the yearly task of filing their tax returns for the previous year. For some, it’s a walk in the park, but for many others, it can be overwhelming and stressful.
The tax code for 2025 has some changes that are noteworthy for Americans that could impact the size of their tax refund, and possibly the size of their headache.
Here is what you need to know about the 2025 tax filing season.
Tax season typically starts around the end of January.
But that does not mean you can’t get started on your tax filing now. The Internal Revenue Service opens up its tax software before the start of tax season to allow people to begin preparing their returns. The IRS has also published a list of tips to help make the tax filing process easier.
According to the IRS, this year’s deadline will fall on the traditional date of April 15.
IRS records show that tax filing season has normally started in the last week of January, here is a list of start dates for the past 10 years.
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2024: Jan. 29
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2023: Jan. 23
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2022: Jan. 24
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2021: Feb. 12
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2020: Jan. 31
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2019: Feb. 2
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2018: Feb. 2
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2017: Jan. 27
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2016: Feb. 2
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2015: Jan. 30
In 2025 taxpayers who have received more than $5,000 through online marketplaces or payment apps like Venmo, Zelle, Google Wallet, or other services will get a new form called the 1099-K.
According to the IRS, the form is only sent to people who use the payment apps for selling goods or providing services.
“However, it could also include casual sellers who sold personal stuff like clothing, furniture and other household items that they paid more than they sold it for,” the IRS said.
The IRS says the deadline to file for an extension is April 15. That gives taxpayers until Oct. 15 to file without penalties.
But, taxpayers must still pay any taxes owed by the April 15 deadline as the extension only applies to filing a tax return.
For people affected by natural disasters, the extension is automatically given.
Extension requests can be done through the IRS at no charge. The IRS will ask for basic information like your name, address, Social Security number, estimated tax liability, and payment if you owe anything.
Regardless of income, individual tax filers can use IRS Free File to request an extension electronically. If you prefer to mail a paper version of the extension, called form 4868, make sure it’s postmarked no later than April 15.
