The tax season officially kicks off Jan. 29, which marks the first day the IRS will accept and process 2023 tax returns, the IRS announced Monday.
Most taxpayers must file federal returns and pay balances by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest. But the agency urges taxpayers to begin the filing process sooner.
IRS Free File, which offers free guided tax prep through software partners, will open Jan. 12 and will hold returns until they can be filed with the IRS. Taxpayers may qualify with an adjusted gross income of $79,000 or less for 2023.
Meanwhile, the IRS Direct File pilot, which will allow free online filing through the agency, will roll out in phases with wide availability expected by mid-March for eligible taxpayers in participating states.