Topics in the news

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 and the latest updates on IRS letters, or notices. Newer updates will be placed at the top of that page; the IRS will also provide critical updates through social media.

2024 tax filing season set for January 29, IRS Free File now available

The IRS announced Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, as the official start date of the nation's 2024 tax season when the agency will begin accepting and processing 2023 tax returns. The IRS expects more than 128.7 million individual tax returns to be filed by the April 15, 2024, tax deadline.

Although the IRS will not officially begin accepting and processing tax returns until January 29, IRS Free File Guided Tax Software service is now ready for taxpayers to use in advance of the opening of tax season later this month.

Millions of taxpayers across the nation can access free software products provided by IRS Free File trusted partners by visiting IRS.gov.

IRS Direct File pilot news

See Direct File Pilot news for the latest announcements and information about how the pilot is progressing. IRS Direct File is a pilot tax filing service that gives eligible taxpayers a new choice to file their 2023 federal tax returns online, for free, directly with the IRS.

Check the status of your refund

Taxpayers can track their refund easily and conveniently with the IRS Where's my refund? tool at IRS.gov/refunds and with the IRS2Go app.

Refund status is available within 24 hours of the IRS letting the taxpayer know that they got the e-filed return. The tool also gives the taxpayer a personalized refund date after the IRS processes the return and approves the refund.

Tax withholding

The IRS encourages taxpayers to perform a quick "paycheck checkup" by using the Withholding Estimator to check if they have the right amount of withholding for their personal situation.

IRS ends most unannounced home visits

The IRS announced a major policy change that will end unannounced visits to taxpayers by agency revenue officers to reduce public confusion and increase overall safety. The change reverses a decades-long practice by IRS Revenue Officers, the unarmed agency employees whose duties included visiting households and businesses to collect unpaid taxes. Effective immediately, the unscheduled visits will end except in a few unique circumstances.

Tax relief in disaster situations

Special tax law provisions may help taxpayers and businesses recover financially from the impact of a disaster, especially when the federal government declares their location to be a major disaster area. The IRS may also grant additional time to file returns and pay taxes.

To find the most recent tax relief provisions for taxpayers affected by disaster situations, visit the Tax relief in disaster situations page.

Inflation Reduction Act Strategic Operating Plan

The IRS unveiled its Strategic Operating Plan, an ambitious effort to transform the tax agency and dramatically improve service to taxpayers and the nation during the next decade. The report outlines the agency's historic plans to make fundamental changes following funding from last year's Inflation Reduction Act.

Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

The IRS is working on implementing the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This major legislation will affect individuals, businesses, and tax exempt and government entities.

The Inflation Reduction Act changed a wide range of tax laws and provided funds to improve our services and technology to make tax filing easier for you.

Outreach Connection

Get free tax content to share with your staff, clients, customers or colleagues that you can include in your:

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Consumer alerts on tax scams

‪Note that the IRS will never:

  • Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, the IRS will first mail you a bill if you owe any taxes.
  • Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.
  • Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.
  • Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.

For more information on tax scams, please see Tax scams/Consumer alerts. For more information on phishing scams, please see Suspicious emails and identity theft.