IRS Opens 2024 Tax Season with Expanded Services and Improved Tools

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) officially kicked off the 2024 tax filing season today, marking the beginning of the period during which individuals can submit their federal tax returns. The agency has already started processing returns for the 2023 tax year and anticipates receiving over 146 million individual tax filings by the deadline on April 15, 2024.

In a move to enhance taxpayer assistance, the IRS has expanded its services for the 2024 filing season. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel emphasized the agency’s commitment to improving services, stating, “For months, IRS employees have been working hard to be ready to help taxpayers and make tax season as easy and smooth as possible.”

Key Highlights of the 2024 Filing Season:

1. Extended Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) Hours:
   • Nearly 250 IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers across the country will extend their office hours through Tuesday, April 16, offering additional assistance during the filing season.
   • Special Saturday hours will be available at many TACs from February through May, providing an opportunity for taxpayers to receive services on weekends.
   • TACs, which usually operate by appointment, will now accept walk-ins during these extended hours.
2. Improved “Where’s My Refund?” Tool:
   • The “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov has undergone updates to provide more detailed and user-friendly status messages for taxpayers checking on the status of their tax refunds.
   • The updates aim to reduce the need for taxpayers to call the IRS for basic information and enhance the overall experience of tracking refunds.
3. Enhancements to IRS Phone Service:
   • The IRS has increased support on its toll-free helpline, with an expanded customer call-back feature designed to reduce wait times for assistance.
4. Paperless Processing and Online Tools:
   • Enhanced paperless processing allows taxpayers to submit all correspondence, non-tax forms, and responses to notices digitally.
   • The IRS has improved the Individual Online Account, providing features like chat, the ability to schedule and cancel future payments, revise payment plans, and validate and save bank accounts.
5. Free Help Preparing and Filing Taxes:
   • Taxpayers are encouraged to file electronically and choose direct deposit for faster refunds.
   • The IRS offers free online and in-person tax preparation options through programs such as IRS Free File, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE).
   • The Direct File pilot program, offering eligible taxpayers a new option to file their 2023 federal tax returns online for free, is expected to be widely available in mid-March.
6. Refund Information and Deadlines:
   • Taxpayers are reminded that the deadline to file a 2023 tax return and pay any owed taxes is Monday, April 15, 2024.
   • Residents of Maine or Massachusetts have until April 17, 2024, due to holidays.
   • Where’s My Refund? will provide projected deposit dates for most early Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) refund filers by February 17, with most refunds available by February 27.
7. Identity Theft Awareness:
   • The IRS emphasizes the importance of being vigilant against tax-related identity theft and provides resources for individuals who suspect they are victims.

As taxpayers gear up for another filing season, the IRS remains committed to delivering improved services and support, building on the success of the previous year’s efforts to enhance efficiency and reduce complexities in the tax filing process.