Despite the turmoil at the I.R.S., tax returns are still due on April 15. And, yes, there are still options for lowering last year’s taxable income.
Tax day is just over two weeks away. If you haven’t filed your return for 2024, it’s time to get started.
While it has been a fraught time at the Internal Revenue Service, with the Trump administration weighing huge staff cuts and the agency’s head resigning on the eve of tax season, tax returns are still due.
Tax professionals report that so far, the agency appears to be functioning fairly well, with returns being processed and refunds being sent. “I’m not hearing anything about delays,” said Susie DiMaggio, board secretary of the National Association of Enrolled Agents, a group for federally licensed tax professionals.
The number of returns filed, however, is down about 1.2 million, or 1.7 percent, from the same period last year, according to agency statistics as of March 14.
Ms. DiMaggio said some clients had asked if they should wait to file, citing President Trump’s musings about doing away with income taxes. Such a plan is improbable, she said. “People should file, no matter what President Trump is saying.”
So for those who have yet to file, here are some last-minute tips to consider.
When is the tax deadline this year?
The federal filing deadline is April 15, but there are some exceptions. For example, if you were a victim of a recent natural disaster, such as wildfires in parts of California or severe storms in Kentucky and West Virginia, you have an automatic extension until later this year. Check the Internal Revenue Service website for details.