Overview
- The IRS will begin accepting and processing 2025 individual returns on January 26, with an April 15 deadline and roughly 164 million filings expected.
- Eligible taxpayers can use IRS Free File starting January 9, though most returns will not be processed until the official opening day.
- A new Schedule 1‑A will be used to claim One Big Beautiful Bill deductions, including up to $25,000 for qualified tips, up to $12,500 for overtime (double for joint filers), up to $10,000 for car‑loan interest, and an extra $6,000 per filer age 65+.
- Paper refund checks have been largely phased out, so bank details are required for direct deposit; most accurate e‑filed returns are typically refunded within about 21 days.
- Refunds that include the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit will be held by law until mid‑February, as the IRS says its systems are updated even as watchdogs flag staffing cuts as a risk.