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.

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.