Is there a new 2025 version of Pub 560 available yet? Need current worksheets

Thanks for the quick response! I'm specifically looking for Worksheet 1 (Rate Table for Self-Employed Individuals) to calculate my maximum deductible contribution for my solo 401k. So you think the 2023 version will work if I just plug in the updated contribution limits for 2024?

Yes, Worksheet 1 for calculating self-employed contributions hasn't changed structurally in years. The formula remains the same - you just need to know the current contribution limits to plug in. For 2024, the elective deferral limit increased to $23,000 (up from $22,500 in 2023), and if you're 50 or older, you can add a catch-up contribution of $7,500. The overall limit for combined employer/employee contributions increased to $69,000 for 2024 (up from $66,000). Just use these updated numbers with the 2023 worksheet and the calculation method will be identical.

Does it actually work with fillable forms? I've tried other tools before and they either couldn't read the PDF properly or gave me generic advice that wasn't helpful.

I'm skeptical about using a third-party service with my tax documents. How secure is this? And does it provide advice that's actually IRS-compliant or is it just guessing at the updated numbers?

It definitely works with the fillable PDFs directly from the IRS. The tool actually processes the form structure and identifies the formulas behind each calculation field, so when numbers change year-to-year, it knows exactly what to update. All documents are processed securely with bank-level encryption, and they don't store your actual tax documents after analysis. They're also pretty transparent about where they source the updated information - directly from IRS notices and revenue procedures. It's not guessing - it's pulling the officially published numbers and applying them to the existing formulas.

How does this actually work? I thought the whole point was that nobody can get through to the IRS phone lines these days.

This sounds too good to be true. The IRS hold times are infamously horrible. How could some random service magically get you through when millions of people can't get through on their own? Sounds like a scam to me.

It uses a call technology that basically does the waiting for you. You register your callback number, and their system continuously dials the IRS using optimized timing strategies. Once it gets through, it calls you and connects you directly to the IRS agent. It's not magic - it's just leveraging technology to handle the most frustrating part (the waiting). The IRS still takes the same number of calls, but you're not personally sitting on hold for hours. When I used it, I registered my number, went about my day, and got a call about 15 minutes later with an IRS agent already on the line.

Good suggestion. Also worth checking if there's a separate standalone worksheet. I seem to remember the IRS sometimes publishes individual worksheets as separate downloadable files outside of the main publications. Check the "Forms and Instructions" section rather than just "Publications.

That's a great point about checking Forms and Instructions separately. The IRS has been breaking out more content into standalone documents in recent years. You might also want to try the Interactive Tax Assistant on the IRS website. While it won't give you the exact worksheet, it can walk you through similar calculations with updated figures for the current tax year.

I've done this for years with various IRS worksheets and never had an issue. The worksheets are just calculation aids - they're not actually filed with your return. The IRS only cares that you arrive at the correct contribution amount based on current limits. As long as you're using the current year's contribution limits and following the correct calculation method, you're fine.

Great suggestion about checking the "What's New" section! I'm dealing with this same frustration right now. Do you happen to remember which specific notices or interim guidance documents had the updated retirement plan figures? I've been digging through the IRS site but there's so much content it's hard to know where to look. Also curious about your mention of tax professionals getting advance copies - is that something they make available to the public at all, or is it restricted to licensed practitioners only?