When does the 2025 tax filing season open and where to find free assistance?

I'm trying to get ahead of the game this year since I royally screwed up last time and ended up filing my taxes super late. Anyone know when the official filing season for 2024 taxes (that we file in 2025) typically opens? I'm also wondering when those free tax assistance programs start up across different states. I remember seeing some volunteer tax help program at my local library last year but by the time I checked it out, they were already booked solid. Where's the best place to get updated info about both the IRS opening date and these free assistance programs? I'm determined not to repeat last year's mess and actually be organized this time around. Any resources or tips would be really helpful!

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18 comments

Ellie Lopez

•8M

The IRS typically announces the official start date for the filing season in early January, but tax filing for 2024 returns will likely begin in late January 2025 (usually between Jan 20-30). The exact date won't be announced until closer to the end of this year. For free tax assistance, there are two main programs: VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) and TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly). These usually start operations shortly after the IRS begins accepting returns, so early February 2025 is a good estimate. VITA helps people who make $60,000 or less, and TCE primarily serves seniors. You can find updated information through several channels: - The IRS website (irs.gov) will post the official filing season start date - Local libraries, community centers, and senior centers often host these programs - Call 211 (the community resource hotline) for local options - The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide website lists their locations (for seniors) Check for these resources starting in December 2024, as that's when they typically begin posting information about upcoming sites and schedules.

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Ellie Lopez

•8M

Yes, VITA generally has a $60,000 income limit though this can vary slightly by location. At $70,000 you might be just above the threshold for many VITA sites, but it's worth calling to check specific locations as some have slightly higher limits. You should try to schedule an appointment as soon as they open up their booking system, typically in mid-to-late January. The slots fill up incredibly fast, especially for weekend appointments. Many locations start taking appointments 2-3 weeks before they actually begin preparing returns, so I'd recommend calling your preferred site in early January to ask exactly when they'll open their scheduling.

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Paige Cantoni

•8M

After struggling with confusing tax forms last year and almost missing the deadline myself, I found this amazing AI tool called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that helped me understand exactly what I was looking at. It analyzes tax documents and explains everything in simple terms. Since you're planning ahead, you might want to check it out - it helps identify which documents you need and what information you'll need to gather before the filing season even starts. The cool thing is you can use it to understand last year's return too, which helps you prepare better for next year. I used it to figure out what I missed last time so I wouldn't repeat the same mistakes.

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Paige Cantoni

•8M

It doesn't fill out the forms like TurboTax - it's more of an analyzer and explainer tool. You can upload your tax documents (W-2s, 1099s, etc.) and it breaks everything down in plain English, telling you what each item means and what you need to know about it. I actually used it alongside TurboTax to better understand what I was entering. For complicated tax situations with multiple income sources, I found it super helpful. I had W-2 income plus some stock sales last year, and it explained exactly how each affected my tax situation. The freelance income analysis was especially useful - it showed me which expenses were deductible for my side gig and explained how the self-employment tax works.

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Nina Fitzgerald

•8M

Ok I need to follow up about that taxr.ai thing. I was skeptical but decided to try it with my last year's documents since I also have a mix of W-2 and freelance work. It was actually pretty impressive! It explained exactly why I owed so much in self-employment taxes (something I didn't understand before) and showed me deductions I missed for my freelance work. The document analysis saved me a ton of time understanding what forms I'll need for next year. Now I'm already setting aside the right amount for quarterly payments instead of getting hit with a big bill again. Definitely using this to prepare for the 2025 filing season.

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Jason Brewer

•8M

If you're like me and get frustrated trying to call the IRS with questions about filing dates and assistance programs (I spent 3+ hours on hold last year!), try Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). They have this service that gets you through to an actual IRS agent without the ridiculous wait times. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I used it to confirm some filing deadline details last year when the IRS website was giving conflicting information. In January, the phone lines get completely jammed with people asking about filing dates and free assistance locations, but with this I got through in minutes instead of hours.

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Jason Brewer

•8M

It doesn't just call for you - they have some kind of system that navigates the IRS phone tree and waits on hold, then calls you when they have an agent on the line. You're literally transferred to a live IRS agent when your phone rings. I understand the skepticism because I felt the same way. But after spending an entire afternoon on hold last tax season trying to confirm some details about my filing status, I was desperate enough to try anything. The difference was remarkable - I got through to an actual IRS representative in about 20 minutes total instead of the 3+ hours I waited before. It saved me taking time off work just to sit on hold.

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Liam Cortez

•8M

I need to eat my words about that Claimyr service. After complaining about it here, I had an issue with my stimulus payment that never arrived, and I couldn't get through to anyone at the IRS. Spent 4 different days trying, getting disconnected after waiting for hours. Finally tried the Claimyr thing out of desperation, and no joke, I was talking to an actual IRS person in like 25 minutes. They confirmed my filing status issue and helped me understand when I should expect the VITA program to open in my area. Saved me days of frustration. Sometimes it's worth admitting when you're wrong!

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Savannah Vin

•8M

Don't forget about IRS Free File! If your income is under $73,000, you can file for free through their partner sites. The program usually opens slightly before or right when tax season starts. Here's the link for when it's active: https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free Also, the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program doesn't actually have income restrictions, though they focus on older taxpayers and those with low-to-moderate incomes. Might be worth checking if you're right on the VITA cutoff.

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Savannah Vin

•8M

Some of the Free File partners include free state returns, but not all of them. When you go to the IRS Free File site, you can see which providers offer free state filing along with federal. It varies by state too - some states have their own free filing programs separate from the federal Free File program. I'd recommend checking the specific provider details when the program opens in January. The IRS usually has a tool that helps you find which Free File option is best for your situation, and it will show whether state filing is included or not.

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