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Tax Season 2025: Essential tips and tricks for a smooth filing experience
Welcome to Tax Season 2025! We're here to guide you in preparing your taxes with the latest IRS updates, essential filing information and expert advice.
Whether you're a first-time filer or a seasoned pro, our comprehensive coverage will provide you with what you need. From when and how to file to the latest changes in tax laws to advanced strategies for maximizing your returns, we're here to help.
Tax season offer: Got a refund? Shop AT&T's best deals on a new smartphone
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What is a tax refund offset? 5 reasons the IRS can seize your refund.
Getty Images/iStockphoto When you have delinquent taxes or certain other types of debt and you’re owed a tax refund, you may find that the government has taken some or all of it.
Stimulus 2025: Everything the IRS wants you to know
Getty Images/iStockphoto The current state of the economy seems anything but stable, not to mention where your taxes fit in. It’s important to note that Elon Musk seems to have the support of President Trump when it comes to pushing forward the potential DOGE stimulus check, but that is still uncertain.
Here’s everything the IRS wants you to know about getting any potential stimulus money in 2025.
10 major benefits to Americans if Trump ends income taxes
AFP via Getty Images As part of his economic agenda, President Donald Trump has proposed eliminating federal income taxes as a way to make the country richer. Here are the top benefits that could come as a result of eliminating federal income taxes.
Tax expert: 3 records you should keep indefinitely once your taxes are filed
Getty Images/iStockphoto While it could be tempting to throw away documents after filing tax returns, doing so could put you at financial and legal risk. Maintaining certain financial records indefinitely can safeguard against future tax disputes, facilitate asset management and ensure compliance.
2025 tax season: Experts share top tips to maximize your return
Getty Images Just one month remains in the 2025 tax filing season before the April 15 deadline. Despite larger checks going out, tax season can be especially stressful. To mitigate some of these worries (and tears), professional advisers are sharing their top tips and reminders for the 2025 tax season.
3 things your tax refund can tell you about your finances (and what to do about it)
Getty Images/iStockphoto Your tax refund — or lack of — can tell you a lot about your finances. It may feel great to get a big tax refund, but it doesn’t mean it’s better. Here are three things your tax refund can tell you about your finances and what to do about it.
Government shutdown still looming: How your taxes might suffer
Getty Images It's only been a few months since the last bout of government funding drama in Washington, but with the next funding deadline only a few days away, the threat of shutdown is still in the air, even as temporary measure passed in the House.
Big problem emerges in IRS return-to-office mandate
Getty Images The Internal Revenue Service ordered most of its approximately 20,000 customer service employees back to the office this week, ending a long era of hybrid and remote work.
However, there was just one problem.
IRS contact information: Get all your tax questions answered
Getty Images/iStockphoto Even if you're using tax software or having someone else file taxes for you, you are likely to still run into questions.
Here's a break down of helpful IRS tools and resources that provide IRS contact information for when you've exhausted all the online options and still haven't solved your problem.
Beware of tax scams: IRS unveils 2025 'Dirty Dozen' list to watch for
Getty Images Fraud has no season, but scammers know that the days leading up to April 15 are a terrific time of the year to engage in tax scams and schemes.
Americans have the 'tax scaries' — but good news is waiting
Getty Images/iStockphoto Tax season is well underway, but for many Americans—especially Gen Zers—this time of the year brings unfounded stress and anxiety that often results in tears.
IRS warns taxpayers: These 7 simple mistakes will mess up your returns
Getty Images Do you still need to file your tax return? You're certainly not alone on that front, and the IRS has new guidance on some of the more common mistakes you'll want to try to avoid.
Marginal vs. effective tax rate: What’s the difference?
Getty Images When you’re planning for taxes, it’s helpful to know both your marginal tax rate and your effective tax rate. The difference between the two may not seem important, but understanding how each one is calculated is vital to understanding our tax system — and your own bill.
Can you claim yourself as a dependent? Who qualifies and who doesn't?
Getty Images Claiming dependents on your tax return can save you money. Unfortunately, you can’t claim yourself as a dependent. A tax dependent is someone who relies on you for at least 50% of their support, such as a child or another relative.
The rules for claiming dependents can get complicated, so we’ll break down who counts as a dependent and who doesn’t.
How to file your taxes without fear of getting scammed
Getty Images April 15 is fast approaching. Sure, waiting until the last minute to file is tempting, especially if you owe the government money, but security experts say procrastinators should beware.
Rushing last-minute through this annual chore could put you at risk for more than just making costly mistakes — it could also make you more likely to fall for tax season-related scams and other attempts to steal your refunds and personal information.
Here's the No. 1 thing Americans do with their tax refund
Getty Images Its safe to say that most Americans don’t look forward to tax season. But the refund that the taxpayer majority receives can make the tedious process of tax filing worth the effort. Of course, that raises the question of what to do with your tax refund.
If you need inspiration, here’s how the majority of Americans plan to use their tax refund in 2025.
Tax refunds: 3 ways the IRS can alter yours and 2 things you can change
Getty Images/iStockphoto Before you celebrate a potentially higher refund this year, you should keep reading to find out the scenarios in which the IRS might have the power to seize some or all of your refund amount. It won't all be doom and gloom, however, as we'll share some of the ways in which you have power over your refund as well.
A tax expert's warning: Don't make this costly mistake
Getty Images/iStockphoto This year, some gig workers, freelancers and small business owners received an unfamiliar IRS tax form. If you're one of them, how you report this form on your tax return could accidentally trigger an overpayment to the IRS. Here's what you should do if you receive a 1099-K to avoid an expensive mistake.
What tax deductions or credits can you take as a renter?
Getty Images Homeowners can take advantage of some nice perks when tax time arrives. By itemizing deductions for real estate taxes and mortgage interest, property owners are usually eligible for some IRS tax breaks that others can't claim.
So, what about renters?
The longer you wait to file your taxes online, the more you'll pay
Getty Images As we approach the April 15 federal tax filing deadline, expect prices to increase further as taxpayers rush to get their taxes done. Waiting until the last minute to file your taxes can be costly, especially if you plan to itemize expenses or have complicated tax situations.
The pros and cons of getting a large tax refund — is it worth it?
Getty Images/iStockphoto A large tax refund may seem like a financial windfall, but is it the smartest way to manage your money?
While some financial experts said a lump sum could help taxpayers save or pay for financial emergencies, others said it could mean missing out on opportunities for financial growth throughout the year.
$5,000 DOGE tax refund: Here’s what’s holding it up and who might miss out
Getty Images/iStockphoto The DOGE tax refund, one of the most talked-about topics of this tax season, is a proposed one-time payment of approximately $5,000 per taxpaying household. It remains under discussion as lawmakers assess its feasibility.
The initiative, backed by Elon Musk and President Donald Trump, aims to redistribute 20% of the savings achieved by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to taxpayers.
Here's what we know:
Legislative progress
A bill proposing the DOGE dividend is expected to be introduced in Congress soon. While it has strong backing from the administration, it must pass both the House and Senate before becoming law. Lawmakers are currently debating the fiscal impact of the refund and its potential economic repercussions.
Eligibility concerns
The current proposal suggests that only federal income taxpayers would qualify for the dividend. This could exclude low-income individuals, retirees, and families who primarily rely on Social Security or tax credits. Some lawmakers are advocating for broader eligibility to ensure equitable distribution.
Economic implications
Economists have raised concerns that such a large payout could contribute to inflation, counteracting the benefits of recent government spending cuts. While the DOGE initiative has reportedly saved billions in federal expenses, some argue that redirecting funds to infrastructure or deficit reduction might be more beneficial.
What's next?
The fate of the DOGE tax refund depends on congressional approval and further analysis of government savings. Taxpayers are encouraged to stay updated on legislative developments and potential payout timelines. For more details, check out this video.
Overwhelmed by your taxes? Here's where to get free help.
Getty Images You can still get free help if you need help with filing taxes. But you may end up competing with a lot of other procrastinators if you're going to file by the April 15 tax deadline. Many free resources focus on helping low-income taxpayers, seniors, and military members and their families, but you can still find help even if you're not in one of these groups.
Earned interest on a CD? Here's what that means for your taxes.
Getty Images Certificates of deposit offer plenty of perks, including guaranteed returns, low risk and federal deposit insurance. But your interest earnings aren't all yours to keep. The government wants its share.
The government considers interest on CDs, savings and other deposit accounts as taxable income. That means you must report it on your tax return and pay the appropriate taxes on it. Here's what you need to know if you have money in a CD.
6 ways to file your 2024 tax return online for free
Getty Images It’s tax season — but that doesn’t mean you have to drop several hundred dollars on a certified public accountant (CPA) or tax software. There are several ways to file your taxes for free — including an option available directly through the IRS.
Here are six ways to file your taxes for free:
Do you still have to pay taxes if the government shuts down? What we know.
Getty Images There's drama about a potential government shutdown, this time in the heart of tax season. This has created many questions about how the IRS would be affected by a shutdown during this pivotal time of year. Should a shutdown kick off and possibly stretch on for multiple weeks, this is what you'll still have to do with your taxes.
Millions of Americans may get a Social Security boost. And maybe a tax bill.
Getty Images Millions of Americans will receive a little extra Social Security money soon, but advisers warn it may also mean a little extra taxes.
The IRS is drafting plans to cut as much as half of its 90,000-person workforce, AP sources say
Getty Images/iStockphoto The IRS is drafting plans to cut its workforce by as much as half through a mix of layoffs, attrition and incentivized buyouts, according to two people familiar with the situation.
A reduction in force of tens of thousands of employees would render the IRS “dysfunctional,” said John Koskinen, a former IRS commissioner.
Do I have to pay taxes on Venmo, Cash App or PayPal transactions?
Getty Images If you use payment apps like Venmo, Cash App or PayPal for more than just splitting a bill, there could be some important filing documents coming your way this tax season.
Taxes on stocks: Here are the rules and rates
Getty Images/iStockphoto If you own a lot of stock, does that mean you’ll owe a lot of taxes? The answer is a bit complicated, but it comes down to this:
Child Tax Credit 2025: Who's eligible and how much it's worth
Getty Images/iStockphoto One of the most popular credits out there is the child tax credit, but before you go ahead and start filing, there's a lot you should know about how it works, and whether or not your family even qualifies.
The tax mistake 1 in 3 people make
Getty Images Procrastination is a challenge we’ve all faced at one point in our lives — but it’s not the best idea if you’re putting off doing taxes. Waiting until the last minute can cost you. Here are the potential consequences if you’re not well prepared for your taxes and how you can avoid procrastinating.
When your tax professional makes a mistake, here's who takes responsibility
Getty Images If you've hired a professional to file your taxes, you might be ready to rest easy thinking there won't be any mistakes. No one's perfect, however, and if that professional does make an error, who's responsible for fixing the issue?
Are there hidden tax benefits you're missing this year?
Getty Images/iStockphoto Many taxpayers miss out on the chance to lower their tax bill because they don’t realize they qualify for valuable benefits. There are several ways for taxpayers to reduce their tax bill while keeping more money in their pockets. However, many don’t know what they are.
9 tax breaks the middle class should know of
Getty Images/Westend61 Paying taxes is never fun. But if you’re part of America’s middle class — defined as those who earn between two-thirds and double the median income — you could qualify for some tax breaks. Here are some tax breaks the middle class should know about.
How tax refunds can impact your credit score
Getty Images Getting a tax refund can be as exciting as it sounds. But can getting this money affect your credit score?
Does the House GOP budget resolution end taxes on tips? What we know so far.
Getty Images The House narrowly advanced the GOP plan for President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda, kickstarting a process that could push forward Trump's "no tax on tips" pledge and other campaign promises.
Here’s what we know so far about where Trump’s "no tax on tips" pledge stands.
9 states that will tax Social Security benefits in 2025
Getty Images/iStockphoto Find out whether your current state (or dream retirement state) will be taxing your Social Security benefits.
4 surprising ways to pay your taxes
Getty Images/iStockphoto If fewer people are getting money back at tax time, then more are getting bills from the IRS — and many might not realize they owe anything until after they file their returns.
If you received an unpleasant surprise in the form of an IRS tax bill, consider the following options if your payroll withholdings were insufficient to satisfy Uncle Sam.
Here's how much you'll pay in taxes if Trump's cuts get extended
Getty Images Americans face potential tax bill changes as Trump's 2017 tax package is set to expire this year. A legislative battle looms.
The best deals on tax-filing services and software for 2025
PC Mag Even if you’re happy using the same system every year to get this annual obligation off your plate, it never hurts to know what your options are. You might be surprised at how inexpensive some of these top services can be.
Are credit card rewards taxable?
Getty Images If you use your credit cards wisely, you can score hundreds or even thousands of dollars in rewards value each year. It's important to consider how your earnings throughout the year — including credit card rewards — may affect your tax return.
IRS refunds are 32% lower on average so far this tax season
Getty Images/iStockphoto Tax refunds for the just completed year are proving, so far, to be just under $1,000 less per taxpayer compared to refunds given in 2024.
As Americans become more and more budget-conscious, the prospect of lower average refunds could be alarming, but the IRS says there’s no reason to panic.
Can you pay your taxes with a credit card? Yes, but it's not a smart financial move
Getty Images/iStockphoto After completing their taxes this year, many Americans will face the unpleasant reality that due to insufficient withholdings, they owe the IRS more money. Some might be tempted to just charge it on a rewards credit card. Why not earn a few extra points?
Here are the bad news:
Why taxpayers may be delaying filing returns to IRS this season
Getty Images Tax season continued its sluggish start into early February, but tax refunds continued to steadily roll out the door.
Every tax season has its own quirks and nuances. Oddly enough, though, the Internal Revenue Service has received 7.7% fewer returns so far this year. The agency also has processed 7.6% fewer returns through Feb. 7, according to the latest data published Friday.
Why the delays?
Why you shouldn't wait to file your taxes this season
Washington, DC, USA - March, 16, 2020: (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Around one-third of Americans procrastinate when it comes to filing their taxes. However, no matter how tempting it may seem, procrastination is not advisable — unless you want to risk significant issues, and not just with the IRS.
Yes, you can go to jail for not paying your taxes. What to do if you can't afford your bill.
Getty Images/iStockphoto If you're not able to pay your tax bill by April 15, you can expect a letter from the IRS stating that your taxes are overdue. A late tax payment can rack up interest and penalty fees, but can it actually land you in jail?
10 tax filing options and how much they'll cost you
Getty Images The IRS is knocking at your financial door, and that also means it’s also picking your tax software season. If want to make sure you get the most out of your tax refund and haven’t yet filed your returns, you want to make sure the price you pay to e-send or mail-in option doesn’t diminish your check too much.
The following guide profiles all the top providers offering all price ranges, from low to high.
Should you sign a loan or pay a fee to get your tax refund early?
Getty Images The average tax refund amount was just over $3,100 last year. Tax software companies often lure users with the ability to get their tax refunds almost immediately as the IRS accepts their returns via refund advance loans. For the Americans eager for their money, that means could get it as soon as today—but you might not want to be so quick to take the bait.
Here’s what you need to know:
Will I be getting a $5,000 DOGE tax refund? Does it make sense to wait to file my taxes?
SmartAsset On Thursday, the Trump Administration made news when President Donald Trump and Elon Musk publicly discussed the idea of a tax break funded by cuts to government spending. Trump and Musk have suggested a tax break worth approximately $5,000 per household, structured as a rebate.
Here's what you need to know:
