Here you'll find items of current interest — new programs, recent guidance or timely reminders. Tax updates and news from the IRS The Tax updates and news from the IRS page is designed to help anyone whether they are now preparing their tax return or are awaiting processing of a return or refund and the latest updates on IRS letters, or notices. Newer updates will be placed at the top of that page; the IRS will also provide critical updates through social media. IRS denies improper high-risk Employee Retention Credit claims Following a detailed review to protect taxpayers and small businesses, the IRS announced plans to deny tens of thousands of improper high-risk Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claims while starting a new round of processing lower-risk claims to help eligible taxpayers. The claims followed a flurry of aggressive marketing and promotions last year that led to people being misled into filing for the ERC. IRS issues frequently asked questions regarding educational assistance programs Taxpayers may exclude certain educational assistance benefits from their gross income if they are provided under an educational assistance program. Educational assistance benefits include payments for tuition, fees and similar expenses, books, supplies and equipment. They also include principal or interest payments on qualified education loans made by the employer after March 27, 2020, and before Jan. 1, 2026 (unless extended by future legislation). Missed the April filing deadline There are options available to help taxpayers who missed the April deadline to file their 2023 federal income tax return. To help taxpayers, the IRS has important payment programs that can help those who have trouble paying the amount owed and special first-time penalty relief for those who qualify. Document Upload Tool reaches 1 million submissions The Document Upload Tool (DUT) reached another key milestone, accepting its one millionth taxpayer submission. The tool offers taxpayers and tax professionals the option to respond digitally to eligible IRS notices by securely uploading required documents online through IRS.gov. During the first six months of this fiscal year, more than 265,000 taxpayers used the tool, and the number continues to grow each month. To learn more about the Document Upload Tool, visit IRS.gov/dut. Direct File access expanded for more taxpayers starting in 2025 filing season Following a successful filing season pilot and feedback from a variety of partners, the IRS announced that it will make Direct File a permanent option for filing federal tax returns starting in the 2025 tax season. The IRS plans to announce additional details on the 2025 expansion in the coming months. Scam alert for taxpayers As part of continuing efforts to protect the senior community, the IRS warns taxpayers not to fall for scams targeting seniors. Scammers impersonating government officials aim to steal sensitive personal information and money. By posing as representatives from agencies such as the IRS, or other government agencies, these fraudsters use fear and deceit to exploit their victims. The IRS has been engaged in long-term efforts to protect against scams. This has been an ongoing focus of the Security Summit partnership between the IRS, state tax agencies and the nation’s tax professional community since 2015. Check the status of your refund Taxpayers can track their refund easily and conveniently with the IRS Where's my refund? tool at IRS.gov/refunds and with the IRS2Go app. Refund status is available within 24 hours of the IRS letting the taxpayer know that they got the e-filed return. The tool also gives the taxpayer a personalized refund date after the IRS processes the return and approves the refund.
