10 Essential Tips to Get Ready for the IRS Filing Season

The IRS tax filing season is upon us, and for many taxpayers, it can feel like a stressful and overwhelming time. Getting ready for tax season doesn’t have to be painful. Whether you’re a seasoned filer or tackling your taxes for the first time, a little preparation can make the process significantly smoother. By taking a proactive approach, you can avoid common mistakes, maximize your deductions, and ensure you receive any refunds as quickly as possible.

To help you navigate tax season efficiently, here are ten essential tips to get you ready for filing your 2024 tax return.

1. Gather All Necessary Documents Before You Start

One of the biggest mistakes taxpayers make in getting ready for filing season is failing to collect all the required documents before they begin filing. Rushing to complete your return without the right paperwork can lead to missing deductions, errors, and unnecessary delays in processing. Here are some common things you’ll need:

• Personal Information – Social Security numbers (or Taxpayer Identification Numbers) for yourself, your spouse, and any dependents.
• Income Forms – W-2s from employers, 1099s from freelance or contract work, and investment income statements.
• Health Insurance Forms – Form 1095-A if you purchased health insurance through the Marketplace.
• Records of Digital Asset Transactions – If you bought, sold, or traded cryptocurrency, you need to report it.
• IRS Letters – If you received any IRS letters regarding credits or payments, include them in your filing.
• Banking Information – Have your account and routing number ready if you plan to receive your refund via direct deposit.

2. Report All Sources of Income

Failing to report all taxable income can trigger an IRS notice or even an audit. Income isn’t just what you earn from a full-time job—it also includes:

• Side gigs and freelancing – If you performed contract work, sold handmade products, or provided services online, report all earnings from 1099-NEC or 1099-K forms.
• Investment and rental income – Dividends, stock sales, interest earnings, and rental income all need to be reported.
• Digital payment platforms – If you received payments through Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App for business purposes, you may get a 1099-K form.

This jams up a lot of taxpayers every year. A significant number of our clients failed to include all income sources and got into trouble with the IRS’s Automated Under Reporting (AUR). The AUR makes additional assessments based on unreported Forms 1099 and doesn’t usually have any knowledge of taxpayers’ related expenses. The result is a big tax bill and penalties. When you’re getting ready for tax season, make sure that you identify all sources of income (along with eligible expenses) to avoid an under-reporting notice

3. Choose Electronic Filing with Direct Deposit

Paper returns take significantly longer to process than electronic filings. The fastest way to receive your refund is by e-filing and selecting direct deposit. Benefits of e-filing include:

• Faster refund processing – The IRS processes electronic returns quicker than paper returns.
• Automatic error checking – Tax software reduces errors by performing calculations for you.
• Secure transactions – E-filing reduces the risk of lost or stolen paper returns.

Using electronic filing is a really good way to lower your risk of tax-related ID theft. If you haven’t been using it, now is the time to start.

4. Use IRS Free Resources If You Qualify

Many taxpayers are unaware that the IRS provides free tax preparation resources. Depending on your income level and filing situation, you may qualify for free tax help:

• IRS Free File – If your adjusted gross income (AGI) is $84,000 or less, you can use Free File software to prepare your federal return at no cost.
• Direct File – A new IRS initiative allowing eligible taxpayers in 25 states to file directly with the IRS for free.
• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) & Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) – These programs provide free tax preparation assistance to individuals earning $67,000 or less, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
• MilTax – A free tax resource for military personnel, veterans, and their families.

5. Select the Best Tax Filing Method for Your Needs

Your tax filing strategy should depend on your comfort level and the complexity of your return. Options include:

• Self-filing with software – Online tax programs walk you through the filing process step by step.
• Hiring a tax professional – If you have a complex tax situation (such as owning a business or rental properties), a professional can help maximize deductions and avoid mistakes.
• IRS Free File Fillable Forms – If you prefer doing taxes manually, these electronic forms allow you to file for free.

6. Take Advantage of IRS Online Tools

The IRS website offers several online tools to make tax season easier. Instead of waiting on hold for hours, you can use IRS.gov to:

• Check your refund status with the “Where’s My Refund?” tool.
• Look up tax law answers with the Interactive Tax Assistant.
• Make payments directly to the IRS.
• Set up payment plans if you owe taxes and can’t pay in full.

7. Maximize Deductions and Credits

Many taxpayers leave money on the table by failing to claim eligible deductions and credits. Some of the most overlooked tax breaks include:

• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – Available to low- and moderate-income earners.
• Child Tax Credit (CTC) – Helps parents with dependents under age 17.
• Education Credits – The American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning Credits can reduce your tax bill if you paid college tuition.
• Retirement Contributions – Contributions to an IRA or 401(k) can be deducted, potentially lowering your taxable income.

To ensure you receive all eligible tax benefits, when you are getting ready for tax season gather all proper documentation for any deductions and credits you claim. This includes receipts, donation records, tuition statements, childcare provider information, and medical expense records. Without supporting documents, you may not be able to substantiate your claims if the IRS requests verification, which can lead to disallowing deductions and even penalties.

8. Review Your Tax Withholding for 2025

If you received a large refund or owed taxes last year, it may be time to adjust your withholding. Updating your W-4 with your employer can ensure you’re withholding the right amount. The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator can help you determine how much should be withheld from each paycheck.

9. Be on the Lookout for Tax Scams

Tax season is prime time for scammers who attempt to steal personal information and refunds. Stay vigilant:

• The IRS will never contact you via email, text, or social media to request personal information.
• Ignore threatening phone calls claiming you owe taxes—scammers often impersonate IRS agents.
• Watch out for fraudulent tax preparers who promise unrealistic refunds or charge fees based on a percentage of your refund.

10. File Before the Deadline and Plan for an Extension If Necessary

The tax filing deadline for most taxpayers is April 15, 2025. If you need more time to file, you can request an extension using Form 4868. However, keep in mind that an extension only extends the time to file, not the time to pay. If you owe taxes, you must pay the estimated amount by the deadline to avoid penalties and interest.

Final Thoughts

Getting ready for tax season doesn’t have to be stressful. Take the time to prepare before you start on your return. Gathering the right documents, filing electronically, and utilizing IRS online resources at IRS.gov can help you avoid costly mistakes and delays. Whether you’re doing your taxes yourself or hiring a professional, following these ten steps will ensure a smooth and efficient filing experience.

Stay organized, file early, and don’t leave money on the table by overlooking valuable deductions and credits. If you need help, take advantage of the free tax filing assistance available to eligible taxpayers. The sooner you start, the easier tax season will be!

Need Help with Tax Problems?

Filing your taxes on time is important, but what happens when past tax issues catch up with you? At Boon Tax Resolution LLC, we don’t do traditional, current-year tax return preparation. Instead we fix the IRS problems that result from missed filings, audits, and tax debt. If you’re facing penalties, collections, or other back tax or audit issues, we can help you navigate the process and find a solution. Visit us at Boon.tax to learn more.

The content on this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered as specific tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax matters are highly individualized and depend on various factors unique to each situation. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, it is essential to remember that the tax code is complex and constantly changing. Before making any decisions or taking action based on the information provided here, please consult with a qualified tax professional who can analyze your specific circumstances and offer tailored advice. The author and publisher disclaim any liability for actions taken based on the content of this blog without seeking professional guidance.

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