Get Ready: Key Dates and Tips for Filing Your 2024 Tax Returns

As we step into 2024, taxpayers are eagerly awaiting the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) announcement about the start of the annual tax filing season. The IRS has officially declared that the tax filing season for 2024 will commence on January 29, providing taxpayers with the window between that date and April 15 to submit their returns. If you need additional time, don't forget you can request an extension, extending the deadline until mid-October.

Residents of Maine and Massachusetts have a slightly later deadline of April 17 due to the Patriot's Day and Emancipation Day holidays observed in these states. Additionally, individuals residing in federally declared disaster areas may be granted an extension beyond the standard deadline.

When is the earliest possible time for me to submit my tax return?

This tax season is expected to see approximately 128.7 million individual tax returns filed, according to the IRS. For those eager to get started, the IRS Free File program will be available for tax preparation beginning on January 12. Participating software companies will accept completed tax returns and hold them until the official filing date on January 29.

If you're wondering when you can submit your tax return, the IRS will begin accepting and processing returns on January 29. However, individuals can begin preparing their taxes earlier, either with a tax professional or through tax software. The IRS advises that the Free File program will be accessible for tax preparation starting on January 12, with completed returns being held until the official filing date.

When can I anticipate receiving my tax refund?

Most taxpayers typically receive their refunds within 21 days. For those filing on the earliest available date, January 29, this means potential payments by February 19. However, it's essential to note that individual cases may vary, with some returns undergoing additional review, potentially extending the processing time beyond 21 days. The IRS recommends checking the status of your refund through the "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov or the IRS2Go app.

Electronic filing is strongly encouraged to avoid delays in processing, as paper returns often take longer to process.

When is it possible to start monitoring the progress of your refund?

To track the status of your refund, the "Where's My Refund?" page or the IRS2Go app will be available 24 hours after filing electronically. The necessary information for tracking includes your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount.

Is the IRS providing its own tax filing service for this tax year?

The IRS is introducing its own filing service, IRS Direct File, this year. While it will be rolled out in phases, the agency expects it to be widely available in mid-March to taxpayers in the following participating states:

• Alaska

• Arizona

• California

• Florida

• Massachusetts

• New Hampshire

• New York

• Nevada

• South Dakota

• Tennessee

• Texas

• Washington

• Wyoming

Here are the key dates for the 2024 tax season:

• January 12: IRS Free File opens

• January 16: Due date for 2023 fourth quarter estimated tax payments

• January 29: Filing season start date for individual tax returns

• April 15: Due date of filing a tax return or to request an extension for most of the nation

• April 17: Due date for Maine and Massachusetts

• October 15: Due date for extension filers

Find more information on tax deadlines and resources by visiting our dedicated page. Click here to learn more.