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 15th. 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 is Now Available in 25 States Including New Jersey
Direct File will be available starting January 27th 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.