The IRS reminded taxpayers of the upcoming Oct. 15 deadline to file their 2023 federal income tax return.
Making the payment on or before the deadline will prevent “possible late filing penalties,” the agency said in an Oct. 7 statement. “Convenient electronic filing options, including IRS Free File, are still available,” while citizens residing in disaster-hit areas may avail of extra time to file, it said.
“Those with an IRS address of record in areas covered by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster declarations and those returning from a combat zone may qualify for additional time to file,” the agency said.
The IRS noted that members of the military and qualifying veterans can use a free online service, MilTax, to file returns and up to three state income tax returns. With the exclusive service, individuals within the community can complete filing with specialized software that accounts for the complexities of military life and connect with tax professionals for free. Military members are typically given 180 days after they leave a combat zone to file returns.
Taking into account the recent weather-related disasters, the IRS has extended the filing dates for people in some parts of the country.
“Taxpayers in parts of Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and West Virginia have until Nov. 1, 2024, to file their 2023 tax year return,” the agency said.
Taxpayers in all or parts of Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, the Virgin Islands, and Washington state have until Feb. 3, 2025, to file their 2023 tax year returns, while those affected by Hurricane Helene in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia have until May 1, 2025.
For more details on what locations have been covered for IRS reliefs, citizens are advised to visit the website.
Free-of-Cost Filing
The IRS’s Direct Filing program is set to expand in the coming year. More than 30 million Americans across 24 states will be eligible for the program in filing season 2025.In the pilot phase, more than 140,000 taxpayers across 12 states used the program. The reviews were reportedly “overwhelmingly positive.” More states are expected to join in the coming years.
According to the Treasury Department, the program offers a “free, easy, and secure option” for filing taxes with no hidden fees while being accessible on a smartphone and computer. It “shows taxpayers the math” to assist their return calculations and make sure that “they are getting their maximum refund,” the department said.
While the IRS Direct File pilot closed on April 21, the agency’s Free File program is available through Oct. 15 to file the 2023 income tax returns.
Free File allows “qualified taxpayers to prepare and file federal income tax returns online using guided tax preparation software,” and is available to anyone with an adjusted gross income of $79,000 or less in 2023.
The Free File software allows taxpayers to claim the Child Tax Credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and other important credits.
IRS Free File Fillable Forms are available for taxpayers with gross incomes greater than $79,000 who are comfortable preparing their own tax returns.
For those who require assistance, they can engage with an IRS-authorized Free File partner.
Taxpayers can sign in to their individual accounts and see the amounts owed, payments, and tax records. The agency uses ID.me for identity verification. People who have not created an account with ID.me are advised to do so to access IRS services.
As for payments, taxpayers can pay online, by phone, or with their mobile devices and the IRS2Go app.
