Taxes: We all have to pay them. Whether you work full-time, part-time or as an independent contractor, you’re going to have to pay up. It’s only early March, but the Apr. 15 deadline to file your 2024 tax return is fast approaching.
However, this tax season year, things may look a bit different and some people may see a delay in their tax refunds thanks to policies being implemented by the new administration.
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According to The Atlantic, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) under President Donald Trump’s direction has been ordered to cut as many as 7,000 IRS employees in the middle of the 2025 tax season. This includes as many as 5,000 employees who work specifically on enforcement and collection. The total cuts represent a 7% overall reduction in the IRS workforce.
With fewer employees, it may have far-reaching effects in terms of how long it takes for your tax return to be processed and how quickly you’ll get a refund (if you’re eligible for one).
Luckily, there are four smart ways to expedite your refund, despite recent changes:
Take Advantage of IRS Free File and Elect for Direct Deposit
As per the IRS, if you have an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $84,000 or less in 2024, you’re eligible to use the IRS Free File tool. The software allows eligible taxpayers to prepare and file their federal income tax returns online. It’s easy, safe and free.
Here are the items you’ll need to get started with the IRS Free File tool:
- A copy of last year’s tax return, in order to access your adjusted gross income (AGI).
- Your Social Security numbers (as well as your spouse’s and any dependents, if applicable).
- Financial statements regarding your Social Security benefits, any unemployment compensation or income statements related to your own business (if applicable).
- All 2024 income tax forms.
- Any 2024 tax forms related to your health insurance coverage (if applicable).
- Income receipts from rental, partnerships, real estate, royalties, S corporations or trusts (if applicable).
Additionally, by electing to receive your tax refund by direct deposit, you may receive the money sooner than if you elect for a refund via a paper check. In fact, the IRS further explained that combining electronic filing with direct deposit is the fastest way to get your refund, with nine out of ten refunds issued in less than 21 days.
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File Your Tax Return Early
Although the deadline to file your tax return is Apr. 15, 2025, you certainly don’t have to wait until then to file. If you file earlier, you may see a refund faster, as described by Synchrony Bank. That’s because the sooner you get your tax return filed, the sooner it can be processed: The IRS processes returns in the order they’re received.
At the same time, it’s important to wait to file until you’re sure you have every single tax form so that you accurately report your earnings.
Avoid Any Errors And Discrepancies
Additionally, Synchrony Bank said that if your tax return has any errors or discrepancies, this may result in a delayed refund (which, of course, you’ll want to avoid). Additionally, any inconsistencies when filing, such as reporting a lower income than you actually earned, will prompt the IRS to contact you for a corrected return.
If you file yourself, be sure to carefully review everything before submitting your return. If you have someone else prepare your tax return for you, it’s important to scrutinize every page to be sure the correct figures were inputted before it’s submitted on your behalf.
Take Advantage of a Tax Advance Loan
If you have still yet to file your taxes, Intuit TurboTax is offering a Refund Advance program. The first and only fast refund guarantee promises to deliver federal tax refunds five days early to help its customers get quicker access to their funds. A tax refund advance loan is a short-term loan that gets repaid via your IRS tax refund.
Eligible customers can get access to up to $4,000 with 0% APR and no additional loan fees. A one-time $25 flat fee is required to have your federal tax refund deposited into a connected bank account early. If the refund is not delivered early as promised, customers will not be charged the fee at all. The offer will be available until all funds are exhausted this tax season.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 Ways To Expedite Your Tax Return
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