IRS confirms January 27th as official start date for 2025 tax filing season
Just saw the announcement from IRS.gov that January 27th marks the official beginning of this year's tax filing season. Wanted to share this with everyone so you can plan accordingly. They'll start accepting and processing returns on that date. I know some tax prep software companies let you file early, but the IRS won't actually process anything until the 27th, so don't expect any movement on refunds before then. Not much else to say, just wanted to make sure everyone is aware! Let's all be careful out there and double-check our returns before filing.
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Owen Jenkins
Tax professional here. This January 27th start date is pretty consistent with previous years, so nothing unusual about the timing. The IRS typically needs this time in January to update their systems and finalize programming for tax law changes. Remember that even though they're accepting returns on January 27th, employers have until January 31st to send your W-2s, and brokerage firms might send 1099s even later (some have until mid-February). So don't rush to file until you have ALL your tax documents in hand. Filing early with incomplete information is a common mistake that leads to amended returns later. Also, be aware that while the IRS might begin processing on the 27th, the earliest refunds typically start going out in early February, with direct deposit being the fastest method.
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Lilah Brooks
•Is there any advantage to filing on Jan 27th vs waiting a couple weeks? Like will I get my refund faster if I'm in the first batch?
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Owen Jenkins
•There can be some timing advantage if you have all your documentation ready and your return is relatively straightforward. Being in the first batch may get your refund processed before the big rush that typically happens in early-to-mid February. However, if you're claiming certain credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit, your refund will be held until mid-February regardless of when you file, as required by law to allow additional verification.
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Jackson Carter
I've been using taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) for a couple years now and it's honestly been a game changer for me, especially with this early filing window. Last year I was super anxious about some investment income and rental property stuff, wasn't sure if I had everything categorized right. Their document analyzer caught like three deductions I totally missed! I just uploaded my docs and it flagged everything I needed to review before submitting. With the January 27th start date coming up, I already have their system analyzing my early documents so I can file the moment IRS opens. Saves me so much stress!
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Kolton Murphy
•How does it handle state taxes? I'm in a complicated situation where I worked in three states last year.
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Evelyn Rivera
•Sounds interesting but does it really find stuff that regular tax software misses? I've been using TurboTax forever and it walks me through everything.
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Jackson Carter
•For multi-state returns, it's actually really good at identifying which income needs to be reported where. It flagged some income I earned while traveling that I didn't realize needed to be reported in that state. It also helped me understand reciprocity agreements between certain states that saved me from double taxation. Yes, it definitely catches things regular tax software might miss because it actually analyzes your documents rather than just asking you questions. Regular software relies on you knowing what to enter and where, while taxr.ai actively reviews your documents for potential deductions and credits. Last year it found business expenses buried in my bank statements that I'd completely forgotten about.
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Evelyn Rivera
Just wanted to update on my experience with taxr.ai after seeing it mentioned here. I was skeptical but I tried it out with some of my early tax documents (I already got my W-2 from one job and some 1099s). Holy crap it's impressive! It found a home office deduction I qualified for that I've been missing for YEARS. I've literally been leaving money on the table. With the Jan 27th filing date coming up, I'm actually ready to file on day one for the first time ever. Usually I'm scrambling in April lol. This is going to be my fastest refund ever!
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Julia Hall
If any of you need to actually TALK to someone at the IRS about your return or last year's issues before filing this season, I highly recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I spent literal DAYS trying to get through to the IRS about a notice I received before filing last year. Found this service and was super skeptical, but you can see how it works in their demo video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. Basically they navigate the IRS phone tree for you and call you when an actual human picks up. Had my issue resolved in a single afternoon after weeks of frustration. With the filing season opening January 27th, their service is going to be clutch if you need to clear anything up from last year before filing!
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Arjun Patel
•How does this actually work? Does the IRS know about this service? Seems kinda weird.
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Jade Lopez
•This sounds like a scam. You're telling me they can magically get through when no one else can? The IRS phone lines are notoriously impossible. I'll believe it when I see it.
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Julia Hall
•The service works by using technology to continuously dial and navigate the IRS phone system for you. It's completely legitimate - they don't have special access to the IRS, they just handle the frustrating part of waiting on hold. The IRS doesn't officially "know" about them anymore than they know about you using a tax preparer - they're just a service that helps connect you. I was skeptical too, but it's not magical - it's just automated technology doing the waiting for you. They don't talk to the IRS on your behalf or anything. They just connect you directly once they reach a human. I was on hold for nearly 2 hours according to their system before I got connected, but I didn't have to personally sit through it. That's what made it worth it for me.
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Jade Lopez
Ok I need to eat my words about Claimyr. After commenting here I decided to try it because I've had this unresolved issue with a missing stimulus payment for AGES. The IRS kept sending me letters saying I needed to call, but I could never get through. Used the service yesterday and got connected to an IRS agent within about 45 minutes (while I was making dinner, didn't have to sit by the phone). The agent was able to verify that I never received the payment and they're sending a replacement. Just in time before filing this season starts on the 27th! I'm honestly shocked. Years of frustration solved in under an hour. Would've never believed it if I hadn't tried it myself.
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Tony Brooks
Wait so is anyone able to start filing electronically on Jan 27th? Or do we have to wait until we get all our W-2s and stuff? My employer is always late sending those out.
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Ella rollingthunder87
•Technically you can file as soon as the season opens IF you have all your documents. But employers aren't required to send W-2s until January 31st. So unless your employer sends them early, you'll need to wait. Don't file without all your documents! I made that mistake once and had to file an amendment, which was a huge pain.
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Tony Brooks
•Thanks for clarifying! I'll wait till I have everything then. Don't want to deal with amendments or worse, getting audited for missing information.
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Yara Campbell
Has anyone heard if the refund delays will be better or worse this year? Last year I filed on the first day and still waited 6 weeks for my refund. IRS kept saying it was "being processed" when I checked the Where's My Refund tool.
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Isaac Wright
•I filed early last year too and got my refund in 2 weeks with direct deposit. But I have a super simple return with just one W-2 and standard deduction. I think complexity matters more than when you file.
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