As the end of the year approaches, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is urging taxpayers to take early steps to prepare for the 2025 tax filing season.
The advice is part of the agency's "Get Ready" campaign. With an emphasis on leveraging digital tools and staying informed about recent tax law updates, the agency is aiming to simplify the filing process and reduce errors.
The IRS has a growing suite of online tools designed to help taxpayers meet their obligations efficiently, a key component in helping people prepare early and ensure their returns are accurate.
"Our focus at the IRS continues to be on making tax filing easier and more accessible for everyone," said IRS commissioner Danny Werfel. "We've added more digital tools to help taxpayers.
"But as tax season quickly approaches, the IRS reminds taxpayers there are important steps they can take now to get ready for 2025. From reviewing withholding to signing up for an IRS Online Account, there are multiple ways for people to help make the 2025 filing season easier."
The IRS Online Account enables new and existing users to securely access information about their payments, refunds, and adjusted gross income, as well as view and pay any balances due. New users will need to have a photo ID ready to verify their identity.
Through their account, taxpayers can also set up or change payment plans, view key details from their most recent tax return, such as adjusted gross income, and request an Identity Protection PIN.
Other benefits of the account for taxpayers include being able to get account transcripts to include wage and income records, sign tax forms like powers of attorney or tax information authorizations, also view, make, and cancel payments.
Other key advice for taxpayers includes making sure to gather records early. Taxpayers should start organizing income statements, such as W-2s, Wage and Tax Statements, and other income documents.
It is also important to notify the IRS of any address changes and the Social Security Administration of any legal name changes.
The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator on the website is another valuable tool to ensure the correct amount of tax is withheld from paychecks.
If adjustments to withholding are needed, taxpayers can update their details with their employer by completing Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate. Taxpayers are advised to act quickly to update their withholding if necessary.
Regarding tax refunds, the IRS advises that the fastest and most secure way to receive a tax refund is through direct deposit.
Taxpayers are reminded by the agency to choose a "skilled and trustworthy" tax professional to help them file their returns accurately.
These reminders from the IRS are the latest in a series of notices on its website relating to tax returns, including a recent alert to the 2024 IP PIN deadline.
For more information and to access resources, taxpayers can visit the agency's website at IRS.gov.
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