On Your Mark, Get Set, File! Tax Season Starts Today

Tax season starts today! But what does that mean? First and foremost, it means that, as of today (Jan. 29, 2024), the IRS is accepting and processing federal income tax returns for the 2023 tax year. It also means the race to get your tax return completed and filed on time is underway. You have 11 weeks to file your federal return (in most cases, at least). That may seem like a long time, but the deadline has a way of creeping up on people. And if you’re getting a tax refund this year, it means you’ll soon have some extra cash in your pocket. By the way, you can get that refund faster if you make the right moves. So start collecting your W-2s, 1099s, and other tax documents, because you’re going to need them soon. Related: 8 Free Tax Filing Options for 2024

What If You Submitted a Tax Return Before Jan. 29?

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If you used commercial tax software to file your return (e.g., TurboTax or H&R Block) to file your 2023 federal tax return before Jan. 29, the software company had to hold your return until the IRS started accepting returns. However, since tax season has started, the company can now send your return to the IRS for processing. You also could have filed your 2023 federal tax return using the IRS’s Free File program before tax season officially started. That program opened on Jan. 12 for people with a 2023 adjusted gross income of $79,000 or less. However, once again, any returns filed before Jan. 29 weren’t available for processing until now. Related: How to Pick a Tax Preparer (Tips for Finding a Great Tax Pro)

When Does Tax Season End?

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Most people have until April 15, 2024, to file their federal income tax return (April 17 for residents of Maine and Massachusetts). If you need more time, you can request an automatic six-month tax filing extension—which will push your tax return filing deadline to Oct. 15, 2024. WealthUp Tip: An automatic extension pushes back the date for filing your return, but it doesn’t extend the date for paying taxes. As a result, if you expect to owe taxes when you eventually submit your tax return by the extended deadline, you still must pay the taxes owed by April 15 to avoid interest and penalties. People impacted by the following natural disasters have until June 17, 2024, to file their 2023 federal tax return:

• Connecticut storms, flooding, and potential dam breach that began on Jan. 10, 2024
• Rhode Island storms, flooding, and tornadoes that began on Sept. 10, 2023
• Tennessee storms and tornadoes that began on Dec. 9, 2023

In addition, victims of the terrorist attacks in Israel that began on Oct. 7, 2023, have until Oct. 7, 2024, to file their return.

State Tax Deadlines

Unless you live in a state with no broad-based income taxes—Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, or Wyoming—you might have to file a state tax return, too. In most cases, your state return will be due on April 15, just like your federal return. However, a handful of states have a later due date, including Delaware (April 30), Hawaii (April 22), Iowa (April 30), Louisiana (May 15), New Mexico (April 30 if e-filed), Oklahoma (April 20 if e-filed), and Virginia (May 1). Some cities, counties, or municipalities might also require local taxes, so be sure you keep abreast of those rules as well. Related: States That Tax Social Security Benefits

When Will You Get Your Tax Refund?

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One reason why people like to file their tax return early is to get their tax refund sooner. If you want to receive your refund faster—typically within 21 days—make sure you file electronically and choose direct deposit. The IRS can process electronic returns and payments much faster than paper returns and checks. Once you file your return, you can track the status of your tax refund online using the IRS’s Where’s My Refund tool. Note, however, that the IRS is required by law to delay issuing a refund until at least mid-February if the additional child tax credit (i.e., the refundable portion) or earned income tax credit is claimed on your 2023 tax return. This applies to the entire refund, not just the portion associated with the child tax credit or earned income tax credit. According to the IRS, most of these refunds will be available by Feb. 27, 2024, if the taxpayer signs up for direct deposit and there are no other issues with the return. Related:

• What Tax Bracket Are You In?
• Tax Preparation Checklist [Get Ready For Your 2023 Tax Return]