IRS Tax Filing Tips: How to Make Your 2024 Tax Return Easier
With the approach of the tax season, the Internal Revenue Service has issued six helpful tips that will make it easier for taxpayers to go through the 2024 filing process of their tax refunds.
Everything-from gathering the necessary documents to free online filing services-goes to make it fast, accurate, and practically stress-free.
Here’s what you need to know to efficiently file your taxes this year.
1. Gather all of your tax documents.
Major causes of filing errors and delays for refunds include incomplete or incorrect information. The taxpayer should check to make sure, before filing, that they have the following:
- Social Security numbers for all individuals listed in the tax return.
- Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit
- Tax forms: W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, and records of any digital asset transactions.
- Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement, if applicable
- Any IRS letters that show the amount received for various tax deductions/credits.
Having all your documents ready upfront helps you avoid mistakes that can cause delays or even missed deductions.
2. Report All Income Sources
Failure to report all sources of income will result in unexpected notices or penalties by the IRS. Taxpayers must report income from the following:
- Wages, freelance work, and self-employment.
- Side gigs, part-time, or seasonal work.
- Investment Income: Stocks, Dividends, Rental Properties
- E-commerce sales of goods and services.
- Amounts received through mobile payment applications.
Proper reporting of all income reduces the chances of an IRS audit and any penalties that come with it.
3. File electronically and use direct deposit
By far, filing electronically with direct deposit is the fastest and safest way to get a refund. Also, common mistakes will be at a minimum if a person e-files because most of the calculations are done through the tax software.
Paper filers can expect several additional weeks of processing time and increased risk of manual errors. The IRS has continued to incentivize electronic filing in their efforts to speed up refunds.
4. Take advantage of IRS Free Filing Resources
The IRS offers a number of free filing options, based on income and eligibility.
- IRS Free File: If your income is $84,000 or less for 2024, you may be eligible for free tax software through the IRS.
- Direct File: A new option for taxpayers in 25 states that allows federal returns to be filed online directly to the IRS with no charge.
- Free File Fillable Forms: IRS paper forms in an electronic format for taxpayers whose income is above $84,000.
- VITA and TCE Programs: Individuals earning $67,000 or less, seniors (60+), people with disabilities, and people with limited-English proficiency get free tax preparation.
- Mil Tax: Military members, veterans, and their families, regardless of income, can file their taxes for free.
Such resources will enable the taxpayer to accurately file without the cost of paid services.
5. Choosing the Right Tax Filing Method
Depending on their confidence level of tax preparation, a taxpayer can file his or her return in the following ways:
- File personally: Use IRS Free File or any tax software to prepare returns yourself.
- File online: Most platforms will help guide you through the process.
- Hire a tax professional: Make sure they are legitimate and trustworthy. Check the IRS’s Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers to confirm their credentials.
Taxpayers should also be wary of unscrupulous preparers who promise big refunds or other scams when filing.
6. Get Fast Answers with IRS Online Tools
IRS resources are available 24/7 to help the taxpayers get their answers without long wait times:
- Interactive Tax Assistant: This tool answers many tax questions.
- “Let Us Help You” Portal: A hub for self-service tax support.
- IRS2Go Mobile App: Check refund status, find free tax prep help, and access IRS news.
The tools will provide information instantly, hence easing and saving time for the taxpayers.
Stay Current with Tax Law Changes
The IRS periodically lets the public know about changes, deadlines, and potential scams. To stay current, consider the following:
- Next comes following the IRS on social media for timely alerts.
- Signing up for email updates from the IRS.
- Viewing IRS YouTube videos to help with the filing process.
Closing remarks
Filing taxes doesn’t have to be so stressful. Taxpayers can make the process go smoother by keeping financial records in order, taking advantage of e-filing options, and utilizing IRS free resources. Taking a few minutes to follow these steps will minimize errors, delays in refunds, and full compliance with IRS rules and regulations.
For the latest tax information and additional filing resources, visit IRS.gov.
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