IRS Reports Tax Season Off to Slow Beginning: Why Filing Early Is Worth It

Since tax season has only just started this year in Columbus and across the United States, the Internal Revenue Service has discovered that this tax season started slower than usual. The data might be surprising considering that there is typically a rush for early filing of taxes in a year’s initial period. What follows is why things have actually been slower within 2025, and also why early filing of taxes remains a good idea.

Tax Season Off to Slow Beginning
Tax Season Off to Slow Beginning

A Slow Beginning

Based on the most recent IRS statistics, the total number of returns filed through mid-February is running well behind past years. A number of factors can be attributed to this sluggish beginning:

Tax Law Changes: The changes in the new tax law perhaps bewildered taxpayers or maybe even scared them more in filing their returns and thus caused delays.
Increased Complexity: As the financial landscape changes, e.g., with virtual work, crypto investing, and gig economy participation, tax situations have become more complex, potentially leading to procrastination or utilization of tax pros who might be backed up.
Technology and System Updates: The IRS has been updating its systems for improved service, which can momentarily impact processing times.

The Benefit of Filing Early

Aside from the slow beginning, there are actually numerous valid reasons why taxpayers should complete their tax filing as early as possible:

Avoid Late Penalties: The Internal Revenue Service charges late file and late payment penalties. Early filing enables you to remain on track even when you are unable to pay everything that is owed at a time.
Refund Processing: The earlier you file, the earlier you receive your refund. With the financial squeeze so many individuals are dealing with today, having that money returned in your account early can make the difference in your budget.
Fraud Prevention: Filing early closes the window of opportunity identity thieves have to create and file false returns under your name. By filing first, you stake your claim on the return before a thief can.
Better Access to IRS Help: At the beginning of the season, IRS help, i.e., phone help or in-person help, is not so overloaded. Closer to the deadline, this kind of help becomes overwhelmed and results in delay and slower service.
Less Likelihood of Errors: Having more time available, you are in a better position to identify errors or omissions in your tax return, which will minimize opportunities for an audit or amendment down the road.
Peace of Mind: Filing early can eliminate much of the stress of tax season so that you can focus on other business or life without the specter of the tax deadline hanging over your head.

Early Filing Tips

Early Document Gathering: Have all documents like W-2s, 1099s, and deduction receipts collected beforehand before filing.
Use Electronic Filing: E-filing is more precise, faster, and has quicker refunds compared to paper returns.
Get Professional Help: A tax professional will assist you in ensuring you are getting all your deductions and credits if you have complex taxes.
Stay Informed: Stay up to date on tax law modifications or IRS procedures. The IRS website and tax tip columns in your local newspaper like the Columbus Dispatch can be great resources.

Short answer: Though this tax season is perhaps getting off to a slow start, the benefits of early filing remain in place. Columbus taxpayers and others need to act early to attend to their tax needs in the proper manner so that they do not fall prey to the last-minute rush, which can lead to errors or penalties. As with everything in the tax world, early is always preferable.

H&R Block Premium Software: Your Tax Ally

Tax time can be a total rollercoaster, especially if you’re hustling on your own or juggling rental properties. Don’t stress! H&R Block Premium Software is here to save the day. 🎢

H&R Block Premium Software
H&R Block Premium Software

What Makes This Version Premium?

  1. Got a tax situation that’s as confusing as a Rubik’s Cube? This software is your secret tax weapon. It’s built for people with crazy-complicated finances, like solo gig workers, online freelancers, and independent contractors of all kinds.
  2. H&R Block Premium is packed with awesome tools! You’ll love features like TurboTax Import – it’s like magic! Just bring over last year’s info from TurboTax in seconds.
  • TurboTax Import: Seamlessly switch from TurboTax – import last year’s data in seconds.
  • Real-Time Refund Results: Expect the biggest refund possible.
  • Multiple Layers of Protection: Your sensitive info is in safe hands.
  • Worry-Free Audit Support: We’ve got your back, no extra charge.

Personal Story: The Tax Odyssey

Meet Jane, a freelance graphic designer. Last year, she tangled with spreadsheets, receipts, and tax forms. Her stress levels skyrocketed, and she vowed never to repeat the ordeal.

Enter H&R Block Premium. Jane downloaded the software, and it was like having a tax-savvy friend by her side. The step-by-step guidance made her feel less lost in the tax maze. Plus, the five federal e-files were a game-changer – no more juggling paper forms!

And when Jane received an audit notice (cue panic), H&R Block’s audit support team swooped in. They held her hand through the process, and she emerged unscathed. Jane’s takeaway? Premium software isn’t just about numbers; it’s about peace of mind.

Pricing and Guarantees

  • Premium: $85 (includes one state e-file)
  • Premium & Business: $99 (for the entrepreneurial souls)

Guarantees:

  • Max Refund: We’ll outdo anyone else – or your tax prep is free.
  • 100% Satisfaction: If you’re unhappy, we’ll refund your purchase price.
  • Accuracy: We’ll cover penalties and interest if our software goofs up (up to $10,000).
  • No Surprises: You’ll know the price upfront.

Conclusion

So, whether you’re a landlord, side hustler, or crypto champ, H&R Block Premium is your tax sidekick. Download it, conquer your taxes, and reclaim your sanity! 🚀

Tracking Your Tax Refund: A Comprehensive Guide by a Renowned Tax Expert

Curious about the whereabouts of your tax refund? Fear not, for I shall provide you with a meticulous, step-by-step manual on effortlessly tracking your refund and acquiring the answers you seek with Where’s My Return.

When eagerly anticipating the arrival of your tax refund, the absence of knowledge regarding its progress can be exasperating. Thankfully, there exist simple measures you can undertake to trace your refund and acquire the essential information. This guide shall escort you through the process, ensuring you unravel the mystery surrounding the location of your refund.

Tracking Your Tax Refund

Accumulate Your Information

Before embarking upon the quest of tracking your tax refund, it is imperative to gather vital information. Firstly, ensure the proximity of your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Additionally, retain knowledge of your filing status (whether single, married filing jointly, and so forth) and the precise amount of your anticipated refund. Armed with this data, the process of tracking shall proceed with utmost ease.

Navigate to the IRS Website

The foremost stride in tracking your tax refund entails visiting the official website of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Once ensconced upon the website, diligently seek out the “Where’s My Refund?” tool. This invaluable instrument empowers you to scrutinize the progress of your refund by inputting your Social Security number or ITIN, filing status, and the precise amount of your anticipated refund. Consequently, the tool shall furnish you with the most up-to-date information regarding the status of your refund, elucidating whether it has undergone processing, attained approval, or embarked on the journey towards direct deposit or mail delivery. It warrants mention that the tool receives updates on a daily basis, typically during the overnight hours. Therefore, it is prudent to habitually revisit the site for any pertinent updates concerning your refund.

Leverage the “Where’s My Refund?” Tool

The “Where’s My Refund?” tool, graciously provided by the IRS, constitutes a convenient and facile avenue for monitoring the status of your tax refund. By supplying your Social Security number or ITIN, filing status, and the precise amount of your anticipated refund, you expeditiously ascertain the whereabouts of your refund within the labyrinthine process. Given that the tool undergoes daily updates, typically during the nocturnal hours, it is imperative to periodically return to the site for any alterations pertaining to your refund. Whether it has completed processing, received approval, or commenced its journey towards direct deposit or mail delivery, this tool remains your fount of the most contemporary intelligence regarding the status of your refund.

Input Your Personal Particulars

To engage the “Where’s My Refund?” tool in tracking your tax refund, you shall be required to furnish your personal information. This comprises your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), your filing status (such as single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the precise amount of your anticipated refund. It behooves you to meticulously verify the accuracy of this information to ensure receipt of the correct status pertaining to your refund. Upon the diligent entry of your personal particulars, proceed forthwith by selecting the “Submit” or “Check Status” button, thereby unlocking the knowledge of your refund’s whereabouts.

Monitor the Status of Your Refund

If you find yourself impatiently awaiting your tax refund, fear not, for you possess the capability to effortlessly track its progress through the employment of the “Where’s My Refund?” tool. In doing so, you shall be required to furnish certain personal particulars, including your Social Security number or ITIN, your filing status, and the precise amount of your anticipated refund. It remains of utmost importance to accurately input this information to ensure the acquisition of the correct status pertaining to your refund. Once you have meticulously provided your personal information, merely select the “Submit” or “Check Status” button to unravel the mysteries of your refund’s journey.

TurboTax Free Edition – How To Set Up Your TurboTax Account for FREE!

The TurboTax Free Edition is an easy way to file taxes online without paying anything upfront. Get started today! TurboTax Freedom is an easy to use, free, and safe way to file taxes on the go. You can file federal and state taxes with the help of this software without paying a dime. It also has a lot of useful features like Audit Support Guarantee, which protects your privacy and ensures that your information will remain confidential.

TurboTax Free Edition
Turbo Tax Freedom

The IRS requires all taxpayers to file a tax return every year. This includes individuals, corporations, partnerships, trusts, estates, and S Corporations. Why not use the TurboTax Free Edition?

Sign up for free at www.turbotax.com/free.

If you do not have access to a computer or the Internet, you can still use TurboTax Online Free Edition on a mobile device. You will need to provide some personal information, such as your name, address, Social Security number, and email address. Once you complete these steps, you will receive a confirmation code via text message. Enter the code into the TurboTax website to begin filing your taxes.

Set up your account by following the prompts.

After entering your tax information, you will have the option of paying by credit card or debit card. You will also be required to choose a payment method. The method will not be billed until a later date.

File your return using the free software.

If you decide not to use TurboTax, you can still file your taxes with the IRS at no cost. Just visit irs.gov/freefile and follow the instructions.

TurboTax Free Edition is a free version of the TurboTax software that can be used to file federal taxes in the United States. It was introduced in 2009, and has been updated annually since then. It has more than one million downloads as of 2018, with over half a million downloads during the first week of January 2019. So you know the product is trust worthly and well tested.

TurboTax is available for download on Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store, as well as on Amazon’s App store for Android.

The TurboTax Free Edition can be used to file both federal and state taxes. However, it only includes four forms: 1040EZ, 1040A, 1040 and Schedule D-1 (capital gains/losses). For more complex returns, you’ll need to purchase TurboTax Deluxe or Professional.

Print or email your tax forms.

You can print out your federal income tax return that you prepared with the IRS by visiting www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040.pdf. Or, you can e-mail your tax return to yourself using the “e-File” option on the website.

TurboTax is all about the simplicity of tax filing. It provides a simple and hassle-free way to file your federal income taxes, which includes e-filing your return for free. Much easier than the IRS options.

Pay nothing until you get your refund.

TurboTax Free Edition lets you pay nothing up front. Instead, they charge only when you receive your refund. The program will guide you through the process with step-by-step guidance and help from an onscreen advisor or live chat support.

https://youtu.be/URBBSrHnHsw
TurboTax Free Edition Easy Tutorial: Step by Step Walk Thru

Taxpayers have the right to challenge an IRS decision in a neutral forum.

The IRS Independent Office of Appeals (IOA) was established by Congress to handle a taxpayer’s case independently of the IRS office that initially reviewed the case when a taxpayer needs to challenge an IRS decision. In general, if communications with the IRS appear to jeopardize the independence of Appeals, this office will not discuss the case.

Challenge An IRS Decision

What Exactly Is An Independent Forum?

If you disagree with our interpretation of the tax law, you have the right to appeal an IRS decision in an independent forum. We inform you that you are subject to penalties, and you believe we are incorrect. We raised your tax, increased your interest, or canceled your refund, and you believe we are incorrect. You filed your return on time, but within 60 days you discovered that there was a mathematical error or a clerical error in the figures on the return.

Appeals is an independent office within the IRS that operates independently of the IRS. All of our team members are IRS employees, and we do not outsource our work to private companies. This office handles thousands of taxpayer cases each year and hears appeals on everything from tax credits to penalties to employment taxes.

Challenge an IRS Decision at the IRS Independent Appeals Office

The IRS Independent Office of Appeals has jurisdiction over matters involving IRS appeals or other matters referred to it by the IRS Commissioner. If a taxpayer believes that any aspect of the examination, collection, or appeal process has not been handled satisfactorily, he or she can use one of several methods to select an alternate forum for resolution. By filing a written petition with this Office, the taxpayer has the right to have a decision or action that affects their rights or property reviewed.

A “case” is the name given to each petition filed with this Office. Appeals Officers handle the cases of taxpayers. These Officers work for this Office; they are not IRS employees. An Appeals Officer may not be involved in the operation of the office where the case originated, either directly or indirectly. Officers make decisions in an unbiased manner. They have been trained to communicate effectively, and their credibility is obvious to taxpayers.

Tax Payer Bill of Rights – Challenge the IRS

Tax Payer Bill of Rights
stevepb / Pixabay Tax Payer Bill of Rights

As a taxpayer, you have the right to challenge the IRS and have your position listened to. This is the fourth item in the Tax payer Bill of Rights. The IRS wants you to know all your rights when you need to work directly with the government agency on a tax issue. You can object to an IRS decision, you can provide more documentation to an open issue, the IRS has to respond to your questions quickly, and they have to look over your documents in a timely manner.

More about the your right to challenge the IRS:

When you get that letter the mail that your return had a mathematical error and there has been a change in your return amount, you have 60 days to contest the change. You should provide records that back-up you position. And you have a right to call the IRS with the number listed on the letter you received.

If the IRS does not agree with your position, they need to notify you promptly. The information will come in the mail. You can then open a case with the US Tax Court within 90 days to continue your objection to any adjustment. If you are outside the US, you have an additional 60 days.

You can also raise objections during an audit of your return. If the conclusion of the IRS does not go your way, you have the right to petition the US Tax Court once again.

If the IRS is going to take more serious action against you, like going after old debt, or taking a lien against property, then you can have your case heard before an Office of Appeals, an independent body.

10 Tenets Of The Taxpayers Bill Of Rights

What You Need to Know About the Taxpayer Bill of Rights

What You Need to Know About the Taxpayers Bill of Rights:

Most people are aware that breaking IRS rules, even without meaning to, can be a serious problem with a lot of serious consequences. It may seem like this Federal government agency has all the power, but the IRS is also bound to certain rules they must follow as passed by Congress. Here is what tax attorneys say you need to know about the Taxpayers Bill of Rights when working with the Internal Revenue Service.

This Taypayer Bill of Rights was adopted by the IRS in the year 2014 to put all of the taxpayers rights into one place as defined in the tax code. The objective was to make it easier for the average US citizen to understand their rights as an income tax payer without having to search through the entire tax code.

Taxpayers Bill of Rights
Photo by KAZVorpal

The Taxpayer Bill of Rights has ten principles:

Taxpayers have the right of
1. Being informed,
2. Paying only what they truly own,
3. The right to challenge an IRS determination,
4. The right to appeal a decision under an independent review,
5. Finality in decisions,
6. The right to privacy,
7. The right to confidentiality,
8. The right to have a legal representative,
9. The right to quality customer service,
10. The right to a tax system run fairly and justly.

The Ultimate Guide To H and R Block Premium Tax Software

H and R Block Premium Tax Software provides a platform for tax filing for individuals, organizations and businesses. You can prepare both your federal and state taxes confidently because the software has audit support and secured data technology. H&R Block Premium enables you to select the correct forms, utilize the correct deductions and calculations, file online, and get a large tax refund.

H and R Block Premium Tax Software
Photo by JeepersMedia H and R Block Premium

Employment and income are two factors in tax preparation. Individuals submitting W-2 forms with less than two deductions should use Basic H&R Tax software. The Deluxe version is for persons who own homes, make charitable donations or sell stocks. Premium and the Premium & Business software are for businesses and rental property owners.

The software offers a platform for freelancers, landlords, rental property owners, self-employed and independent contractors. Features include self-income (Schedule C), refund reveal, free import, rental property (Schedule E) and Cost Basis tax calculations.

The benefits include the ability to update the prior year’s return easily, a step-by-step guide, and income verification which reduces the possibility of an audit. Also with H&R Block Premium, tax filers can find more deductions and optimize charitable deductions with the Deduction Pro. The software also makes it easy to file federal and state taxes, and provides guidance on mortgage interests, real estate tax deductions, and rental property expenses and income. The previous year’s W-2 and 1099 are also easily imported.

H&R Block professionals offer free advice to previous and new users, which is accessible after the software is downloaded or via telephone. Audit assistance is also available in the premium and other versions. H&R Block also helps with preparing tax filings, represents the filer if they are audited after using the software and manages any communication.

H and R Tax Premium Discount offers several discounts including free filing for first time users, free advice, free federal e-filing, mobile tax apps, and free gifts and gift cards for signing up.

H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2016

Simplifying the complicated nature of tax returns with H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe:

h and r block photo
Photo by Consumerist Dot Com

Undoubtedly, taxes are a complex piece of state and federal paperwork that has to be completed over the course of the year. People who work for themselves, and smaller businesses, often discover nasty surprises, increases and fees that they did not anticipate by the year’s end. These things are a fairly common occurrence, because for those who are unfamiliar with bureaucratic jargon, understanding this constantly changing sea of information is virtually impossible on the first attempt. This is why they often use a product like H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe to prepare their taxes.

Because of the type of Union we have, there are state and federal taxes to pay. Based on the number of staff members you have beneath you, there are mandatory contributions to be levied towards them. If you try to calculate all this in one go, the financial stress is bound to cause you to slip up. Obviously, as an employer, taking care of the people who depend on you is a duty and an obligation. However, you also need to ensure that your tax records are clear, and that you spend them in the most helpful way possible.

State and federal taxes in focus:

H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2016 is designed to be user friendly. Its’ simple interface is a joy to use. In contrast to other similar products, it is frequently updated, and personalized chat support is included with the package. This is useful if you wish to talk about whether you qualify for federal extensions. In addition, this software tries to help you qualify for refunds, and offers you an easy way of converting any tax return gains into Amazon gift vouchers. These vouchers can be spent on almost any product featured on the Amazon website. Overall, this software will reduce the hassle of filing your taxes considerably.

The Benefits Of Turbotax Premier 2016

Manually performing all the calculations needed to file taxes can be very difficult. Computer software like TurboTax Premier 2016 can make this much easier.

Turbotax photo
Photo by Kei!

Manually performing all the calculations needed to file taxes can be very difficult. Computer software like TurboTax Premier 2016 can make this much easier. Since the software performs these calculations for you, there’s no risk of making a costly mathematical error. The software won’t allow you to continue filing your tax return until you’ve dealt with any discrepancies.

You’re given the option of using a semi-guided preparation wizard and taking an interview. Whenever the software asks you a question it deems relevant, it continues to question you along the same lines. This makes it easy to deal with complicated situations involving amortization and depreciation. You’ll only be asked questions that are relevant to your situation because of the unique funnel approach that TurboTax takes.

If you have existing 1099 or W-2 forms, then TurboTax Premier 2016 can import these documents easily. You won’t have to generate forms from scratch either. If you use Intuit or another financial package to prepare these forms, then they’re already in a format that TurboTax Premier 2016 accepts.

Many aspects of the tax code are quite obscure. Whenever you’re answering a question that the software asks, you can push a button to learn more about the situation and any relevant tax laws. If you’re still unsure whether a specific situation applies to you, then you can read an article the software generates and determine how to answer. You can also connect with a certified tax expert who will provide advice through a chat function. They can even share their screen with you.

You can get the software for only $59.49, which comes with a free annual subscription to the TurboTax newsletter. If you sign up with the TurboTax advantage, then you can even get a discount on the software. The price is quite reasonable considering just how reliable the program is.