Tax season is here, and that means long wait times on IRS phone lines—especially around Presidents Day weekend.
Instead of sitting on hold, taxpayers can get immediate answers and file their returns faster using the IRS’s free online tools at IRS.gov.
Why Is Presidents Day Weekend So Busy?
Historically, the IRS sees a surge in calls around Presidents Day weekend, as millions of people begin filing their taxes. Instead of waiting hours to speak with an IRS agent, taxpayers can use self-service tools to:
- Track refund status
- File taxes for free
- Check eligibility for tax credits
- Get answers to common tax questions
Faster Refunds: File Electronically & Choose Direct Deposit
According to the IRS, about 93% of taxpayers now file electronically, with most choosing direct deposit for refunds. Filing electronically isn’t just faster—it reduces errors and prevents lost or stolen paper checks.
Paper refund checks are 16 times more likely to have issues such as being lost or delayed. The best way to get your refund as quickly as possible is to file electronically and opt for direct deposit.
Free Tax Filing Options
The IRS provides multiple free tax filing options for eligible taxpayers:
- IRS Free File: Taxpayers earning $84,000 or less can use guided tax software for free.
- Direct File: Available in 25 states, this free service lets eligible taxpayers file directly with the IRS.
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): Free in-person help for taxpayers earning $67,000 or less, seniors, and those with disabilities.
- MilTax: A Department of Defense program offering free tax filing for military members and some veterans.
Track Your Refund: Where’s My Refund? Tool
Wondering where your tax refund is? Use the Where’s My Refund? tool on IRS.gov to get real-time updates on your refund status.
Most Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) refunds should hit bank accounts by March 3 for taxpayers who opted for direct deposit.
Set Up an IRS Online Account
Setting up an IRS Online Account gives taxpayers full access to their tax records, including:
- Checking refund status
- Approving and signing documents from tax professionals
- Viewing past tax returns and balances
- Requesting an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) to prevent tax-related fraud
Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA): Get Instant Answers
Confused about your taxes? The Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA) helps taxpayers answer common tax questions like:
- Do I need to file a tax return?
- Can I claim tax credits?
- What income is taxable?
Get answers fast by visiting the ITA tool on IRS.gov.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Eligibility
One in five taxpayers who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) don’t claim it. If eligible, this credit can reduce taxes owed and increase refunds.
Use the IRS EITC Assistant to check eligibility.
Protect Yourself from Tax Fraud with an IP PIN
Tax identity theft is real. The IRS recommends Identity Protection PINs (IP PINs) to help prevent fraudsters from filing a tax return using your information.
Sign up for an IP PIN through an IRS Online Account.
Find a Trusted Tax Professional
Need expert help? The IRS provides a directory of certified tax preparers. Be careful of ghost preparers—those who file taxes without signing the return, often leading to fraud.
Use the IRS tax preparer directory to find a trusted expert.
Adjust Your Tax Withholding
To avoid surprises at tax time, use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to calculate the correct amount of tax to withhold from your paycheck.
Adjusting withholding now can prevent an unexpected tax bill next year.
Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful. Instead of waiting on hold on Presidents Day 2025, visit IRS.gov for fast, reliable help.
With IRS online tools, taxpayers can file faster, track refunds, and avoid long wait times—all from the comfort of home.
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