Tax season 2025 is officially here! If you’re stressing about filing your taxes correctly and on time, take a deep breath—you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll cover all the essentials: when is tax season, when does tax season start, what your taxes actually pay for, and how to file your personal income tax returns like a pro.
Trust me, as someone who’s tackled more tax seasons than I care to count, I get how overwhelming it can feel.
By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have all the tools to breeze through this tax season in 2025—making it feel more like a walk in the park than a sprint uphill.
This post is all about how to prepare for tax season in 2025.
Tax Season 2025
1. What Are Taxes Used For?
Let’s face it: paying taxes isn’t exactly fun.
But here’s the silver lining—your tax dollars go toward things that keep our communities and country running.
Federal taxes help fund programs like:
- Medicare and Medicaid (think healthcare safety nets).
- Defense and security (keeping us safe).
- Social Security (a retirement safety net for millions).
State taxes cover:
- Education (from public schools to universities).
- Transportation and infrastructure (hello, highways and bridges).
- Low-income assistance programs (helping those in need).
Imagine life without paved roads, public transportation, or schools. Not great, right? Your taxes may feel like a chore, but they’re the backbone of the systems we rely on daily.
So the next time you grumble about tax season, just remember—it’s your contribution to a smoother, safer, and more connected society.
2. When Does Tax Season Start in 2025?
Tax season is between January and April each year – this is when taxpayers report their taxable income to the federal government, and, in most situations, to the state where they live.
In 2025, the IRS will begin accepting 2024 federal tax returns on Monday, January 27th. So, when does tax season end in 2025? The deadline is April 15th.
3. How To File Your Federal Income Tax Return
Filing your federal income tax return doesn’t have to feel like climbing Mount Everest. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be done in no time:
Step 1: Gather all your info.
Think of this as your tax season scavenger hunt. Start by rounding up all the paperwork that shows how much you made in 2024 and what expenses you can deduct. Here’s what you’ll need:
- W-2s from your
- 1099s for freelance gigs, side hustles, or contract
- Receipts for business expenses, mortgage interest, state and local taxes, and charitable donations if you’re itemizing.
Pro Tip: Staying organized now will save you a massive headache later.
Step 2: Choose your filing status.
If you’re married, you can decide to file jointly or separately. Pick the option that saves you the most money—because why give Uncle Sam more than you have to?
Step 3: Decide how you want to file your taxes.
You have a few options when it comes to filing your taxes, and they’re all pretty straightforward:
- E-file with tax prep software: The IRS recommends this for the fastest refunds and fewest errors.
- Use the IRS Direct File pilot program: If you live in one of 12 participating states and have a simple return, this is a great (free!) option.
- File by mail: Old-school works too, but it takes about four weeks for the IRS to process your return.
Step 4: Choose whether you want to take the standard deduction or file your return.
Deductions are your ticket to lowering your taxable income. The standard deduction is a flat amount based on your filing status – single, married filing separately, married filing jointly, head of household, or qualifying surviving spouse.
You can itemize your deductions if the total amount of itemized deductions is more than the standard deduction.
Pro Tip: If you’re a business owner, itemizing might be the way to go!
Step 5: Learn how to make a tax payment online.
If you owe money, the fastest way to settle up is to make a payment online. You can also pay with a check or money order, but let’s be real—it’s 2025, and online is way faster.
Step 6: Submit your return by April 15th.
Mark your calendar! Pay on time to avoid penalties. Late fees are not the kind of “surprise” you want this spring.
Most people who file their taxes electronically and request a direct deposit will receive their refund within 21 days!
3. How To File Taxes For Free.
Think you have to shell out for tax software or an accountant? Think again. Filing taxes for free is totally doable—if you know where to look. Here’s how you can keep that cash in your pocket:
Direct File
This IRS program lets you file your taxes online for free. To qualify, you need to meet these requirements:
- Be a W-2
- Have investment income under $1,500.
- Receive Social
Eligible states include Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
IRS Free File
No Direct File in your state? No worries. IRS Free File has your back. If your adjusted gross income is $79,000 or less, you can use this program, which pairs you with one of eight top tax prep companies—free of charge. You’ll pick the provider that suits your income, age, and location.
Pro Tip: In 2024, 70% of Americans qualified for IRS Free File, but only 5% used it. Don’t leave free money on the table!
Free online tax software
Want something guided but still free? Tax software companies like TurboTax and H&R Block offer basic plans for simple returns. These plans are perfect for:
- Reporting W-2
- Claiming child tax
- Deducting student loan
- Reporting dividends or unemployment
Conclusion
With a little prep, the right tools, and a clear plan, you can tackle tax season 2025 like a pro. Whether you’re e-filing, using IRS programs, or mailing your personal income tax return, the steps in this guide have you covered.
So, grab your W-2s, fire up your favorite tax software, and mark April 15th on your calendar. You’ve got this! Here’s to filing your taxes with confidence—and maybe even snagging a nice refund while you’re at it.
This post was all about the hottest new guide for tax season 2025. Enjoy the rest of your day! 😊
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