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. It also has the latest updates on IRS letters and notices. Newer updates will be placed at the top of that page. The IRS will also provide critical updates through social media.
First quarter estimated tax payment deadline is April 15
Self-employed individuals, retirees, investors, businesses and corporations have a deadline of April 15 for first quarter estimated tax payments for tax year 2025.
Last-minute filing tips and resources
Last-minute tax filers still have time to file federal income tax returns by the April 15 tax deadline or to apply for an extension to file and pay. The IRS reminds taxpayers that filing electronically reduces tax return errors as tax software does the calculations, flags common errors and prompts taxpayers for missing information.
Taxpayers should consider taking advantage of the many free options available – including IRS Free File, Direct File and free in-person help through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.
Disaster victims have automatic extensions to file and pay 2024 taxes
The IRS reminds individuals and businesses in 12 states covered by 2024 disaster declarations that their 2024 federal income tax returns and tax payments for tax year 2024 are due on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
IRS Individual Online Account
It’s not too late to access or create an individual IRS Online Account. An IRS Online Account makes it easy for people to quickly get the tax planning information they need.
Earlier this year, the IRS added the ability for taxpayers to file their taxes by adding information return documents to their IRS Individual Online Account, helping consolidate important tax records into one digital location. Adding these forms to the IRS Individual Online Account enhances taxpayers’ ability to quickly and securely access their tax planning information and makes keeping track of it even simpler.
I don’t think we need this as the “options avail” link has links to all the options
Payment plan options for those who owe federal tax
There are payment plans available to help taxpayers who owe and are unable to pay the balance in full by the April 15 federal tax deadline. The IRS urges those who cannot pay their full balance to file and pay as much as they can on or before April 15. Filing on time avoids the late filing penalty, which is usually 5% per month on the unpaid balance.
Filing deadline for U.S. taxpayers abroad
The IRS reminds taxpayers living and working abroad that they have until Monday, June 16, 2025, to file their 2024 federal income tax return and pay any tax due. This deadline applies to both U.S. citizens and resident aliens abroad, including those with dual citizenship.
Tax Time Guide 2025
The IRS uses the Tax Time Guide to provide updated information to assist taxpayers in filling an accurate return. Taxpayers should also read Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals), for additional guidance and updates for tax year 2024.
Tips for faster refunds
The IRS issued a series of tips and reminders to speed taxpayer refunds and avoid errors on their federal tax returns as the April 15 filing deadline approaches.
Unclaimed 2021 refunds
Over 1.1 million people across the nation have unclaimed refunds for tax year 2021 and have until April 15 to submit their tax returns. Taxpayers usually have three years to file and claim their tax refunds. If they don’t file within three years, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury.
Interest rates for the second quarter of 2025
Interest rates will remain the same for the calendar quarter beginning April 1, 2025. For individuals, the rate for overpayments and underpayments will be 7% per year, compounded daily.
Dirty Dozen tax scams for 2025
The IRS announced its annual Dirty Dozen list of tax scams for 2025 with a warning for taxpayers, businesses and tax professionals to watch out for common schemes, ranging from email schemes to misleading tax credits.
IRS online tools
With the 2025 filing season underway and the anticipated high demand for IRS phone lines, the IRS encourages taxpayers to visit IRS.gov and use online tools to get immediate answers to their tax questions. Online resources include the Let us help you page that covers most topics for filing season and beyond and free help online with self-service options.
In addition, the IRS provides tools to help taxpayers make informed decisions and choose the right tax professional to helping them avoid tax-related identity theft and financial harm. While most tax return preparers are trustworthy and provide high-quality service, some engage in fraud, identity theft and scams. Taxpayers must understand who they’re hiring and ask the right questions before handing over their sensitive personal and financial information.
New guidance on tax treatment of certain leave programs
The IRS issued guidance on the income and employment tax treatment of contributions and benefits paid in certain situations under a state paid family and medical leave program, as well as the related reporting requirements.
New automatic enrollment requirement for 401(k) and 403(b) plans
The Department of the Treasury and the IRS issued proposed regulations addressing certain SECURE 2.0 Act provisions, including a provision generally requiring newly-established 401(k) and 403(b) plans to automatically enroll eligible employees beginning with the 2025 plan year.
Reduced refund delays for individuals with duplicate dependent returns
The IRS is making it easier for taxpayers to protect their information and avoid refund delays by accepting certain e-filed tax returns that claim dependents who have already been claimed on another taxpayer’s return.