IRS Direct File is Available Free in New Jersey for the First Time

Before Direct File existed, we used to file our taxes as early as possible because we would get a decent refund each year. The past few years we’ve owed money so we haven’t been in much of a rush.

I know quite a few people who are always rushing as tax day approaches in April. This year’s federal tax deadline is April 15^th. If you’re looking to file as early as possible, the Internal Revenue Service announced the date that the 2025 tax season will begin.

The IRS says that the country’s 2025 tax season will start on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, they also offer expanded and enhanced tools to make it a bit easier for us.

IRS spokesperson John Fuld told me, “The IRS expects more than 140 million individual tax returns for tax year 2024 to be filed ahead of the Tuesday, April 15 federal deadline. More than half of all tax returns are expected to be filed this year with the help of a tax professional, and the IRS urges people to use a trusted tax pro to avoid potential scams and schemes.” Help choosing a tax professional can be found here.

John also shared, “The 2025 tax filing season will reflect continued IRS progress to modernize and add new tools and features to help taxpayers. Since last tax season, the improvements include more access to tax account information from text and voice virtual assistants, expanded features on the IRS Individual Online Account, more access to dozens of tax forms through cell phones and tablets, and expanded alerts for scams and schemes that threaten taxpayers.”

Direct File will be available starting January 27^th in 25 states including New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. We’ll be able to file our taxes directly with the IRS for free with new features this year to make filing taxes quicker and easier.

Direct File users can try a new chatbot to help guide them through the eligibility checker. Live chat will also be available and you can opt into additional authentication and verification, allowing customer service representatives to provide more information.

It will also cover more tax situations. In addition to the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for Other Dependents, this year, Direct File will also cover the Premium Tax Credit, Credit for the Elderly and Disabled, Retirement Saving Contribution Credits, and more.

Direct File guides you through a series of questions to prepare your federal tax return step-by-step. Before you pay someone to do your taxes this year, you may want to look into this to save time and money.

We can also file electronically for free using the IRS Free File. More information can be found at IRS.gov.

I don't know about you, but I hate January. It's cold, it's dark, and, unless you have a birthday this month, there's usually not a whole lot going on. To me, January has always felt like just a month-long hangover. We just had all the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving then the winter holidays and then the New Year. And then boom, here we are. A whole bunch of nothing.

Generally, this is the time of year when we should be slowing down and resting. I'd guess that's the reason for the complete slowdown this month. The trees don't create new buds right now, so why should we be starting new things? But it gets boring and we still need to do things to pass the time.

So if you've started this January off feeling completely uninspired, don't worry, you're not alone. I put together a list of things you could try that might make the cold of this month move by just a little bit faster. I know I'll certainly be doing a few of these. And if none of these pique your fancy, that's ok. Maybe just take a nap, it's a great time of year for it.

So far, in 2025, I've read 4 books. You don't have to do it like that. But, nothing makes me feel cozier than putting on my fuzzy socks, making a cup of Earl Grey tea, and reading a really good book. So I'll always recommend it, especially this time of year.

I'll be honest, planning my next vacation is usually a February thing for me. But I'll do it in January if the winter blues really get to me early. Researching warm places and then booking tickets to those warm places really helps get me through the winter. Maybe it'll help you too. Plus, there's the added bonus of having something to look forward to.

Everybody I know who spends their winters either skiing or snowboarding absolutely love the winter. And you know what they say, time flies when you're having fun.

The one thing I genuinely like about January is that we are in the heart of soup and stew season. Your comfort meal of choice doesn't have to be soup, but the cold is a great excuse to eat your favorite comfort meal more than you normally might.

When it's so cold out and I feel like I'm stuck inside, I like to spend some time writing down all the things I'm grateful for. That especially include the sun and summertime :) but honestly, feeling stuck is the best time to practice gratitude for the people and things you do currently have. It makes the winter feel a little less blue when I can see on paper just how full my life is, even in the freezing cold.

This one feels kind of obvious, but connecting with loved ones always makes the time go faster and warms the soul. Have a movie night, try a new restaurant, or just hang out.

If you don't mind splurging on yourself a bit, book some time at the spa. Get a massage and use the sauna. It's a great time for rest and relaxation, after the bustle of the holidays. So go recharge, you deserve it.