Jan. 19, 2016 The IRS successfully opened its systems today in a smooth opening of the 2016 tax filing season. Through mid-day, the IRS had received several hundred thousand tax returns. More than 150 million individual returns are expected this filing season for tax year 2015. The IRS reminds taxpayers to take advantage of the resources available on IRS.gov, including the “Where’s My Refund?” application. Again this year, the IRS anticipates issuing more than nine out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days. Choosing e-file and direct deposit for refunds remains the fastest and safest way to file an accurate income tax return and receive a refund. More than four out of five returns are expected to be filed electronically. The IRS Free File program is also available at IRS.gov for those who qualify. Commercial partners of the IRS offer free brand-name software to about 100 million individuals and families with incomes of $62,000 or less. Seventy percent of the nation’s taxpayers are eligible for IRS Free File. All taxpayers regardless of income will again have access to free online fillable forms, which provide electronic versions of IRS paper forms to complete and file. For more information, please see IR-2016-6.
