As tax season approaches, the IRS expects over 128.7 million individual tax returns to be filed by April 15, 2024. To make the process smoother and maximize your refund, consider using IRS software such as the IRS Free File Guided Tax Software service, which is available for free to taxpayers across the nation through trusted partners on IRS.gov.
Instead of calling the IRS to track your refund, utilize the “Where’s my refund? tool” on IRS.gov or the IRS2Go app, which provides refund status within 24 hours of filing. This tool also offers a personalized refund date once the return is processed and approved by the IRS.
Check your withholding to ensure you are not overpaying in payroll taxes, especially if you have only one source of income. The IRS recommends performing a “paycheck checkup” using the Withholding Estimator to determine the correct amount of withholding for your personal situation.
If you were impacted by a disaster and declared a major disaster area by the federal government, special tax law provisions may help you recover financially. The IRS may grant additional time to file returns and pay taxes for those affected by disaster situations. Stay informed about the most recent tax relief provisions on the Tax relief in disaster situations page.
Filing electronically can result in a faster refund, but to protect your personal information, obtain an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) from the IRS. This six-digit number helps verify your identity when filing an electronic or paper return, preventing someone else from using your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
Even if you are not required to file a tax return, having an IP PIN can protect your account from identity theft. For more information on obtaining an IP PIN, visit the IRS website.
