With the new year in full swing, tax season is cut around the corner. Millions of Americans must file their 2024 returns to the IRS by Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

When can you start filing 2024 taxes?

For taxpayers who had an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $84,000 or less in 2024, the IRS’ Free File Gilded Tax Software becomes available online on Friday, Jan. 10.

For taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of more than $84,000, Free File Fillable Forms opens on Monday, Jan. 27.

To access IRS Free File, visit IRS.gov/freefile.

When does the IRS start processing returns?

The IRS has not yet announced a formal date for processing returns, but this typically begins in late January — the unofficial start of tax season.

How do I request an extension for my tax return?

If you cannot file by the April 15 deadline, you can request an extension through Form 4868, which gives them until Oct. 15 to file without penalties.

However, an extension to file a tax return is not an extension to pay taxes altogether. Any taxes owed should still be paid by April 15 to avoid potential penalties and interest for the amount owed.

This year, victims in disaster areas as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may qualify for an automatic extension, meaning they will not need to request an extension. To see if your area is included, visit the IRS webpage on tax relief in disaster situations.

What if I don’t pay my taxes?

If you don’t file your taxes by April 15 — or by Oct. 15 if granted an extension — you will receive a notice from the IRS that you owe a Failure to File Penalty.

The standard penalty for this is 5% of the tax due for every month the return is late, up to 25% of the unpaid balance. A smaller penalty of 0.5% is added if you file a return but fail to pay any taxes you owe, or if you get an extension on your return but still fail to pay what you owe.

However, if you can show reasonable cause as to why you did not meet your tax obligations, the IRS may be able to remove — or at least reduce — some penalties.

When will I receive my tax refund?

If you file your taxes online, you can typically expect to receive a refund within 21 calendar days of filing. Paper returns can take a month or more.

You can check the status of your federal tax refund online at irs.gov/refunds.