Metro East Sun

The Illinois Department of Revenue and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have announced that the tax season for 2023 will begin on Monday, January 29. Taxpayers can start submitting their state and federal tax returns on this date.

According to the Illinois Department of Revenue, taxpayers have various options for filing their state tax returns. One popular choice is the MyTax Illinois online account management program, which has been enhanced to allow taxpayers to file returns with or without an account. Additionally, the platform can be used for making payments, responding to department inquiries, and checking the status of refunds using the 'Where's My Refund' link.

To ensure the fastest processing and issuance of any refunds, taxpayers are encouraged to file their returns electronically and opt for direct deposit. Those who file an error-free return can expect to receive their Illinois state tax refund in approximately four weeks. However, it's important to note that even though the state grants an automatic six-month extension to file the IL-1040 form, taxpayers must still pay any money owed on their returns by April 15, 2024, to avoid penalties and interest.

The IRS anticipates that more than 128 million individual tax returns will be filed by the April 15, 2024, tax deadline. This announcement coincides with the agency's ongoing efforts to improve its technology and customer service processes. The IRS has received significant funding through the Inflation Reduction Act to support this massive overhaul.

Taxpayers filing their federal returns can take advantage of the Free File website, which offers free filing options for individuals of all income levels. Starting from January 29, taxpayers can access Free File Fillable forms at no cost and complete their electronic forms for e-filing.

While most IRS refunds are typically issued within 21 days, some returns may require additional review and could take longer. Taxpayers are advised to check the status of their refunds by using the 'Where's My Refund' tool or the IRS2Go app.

The IRS has also implemented several changes for the 2024 tax filing year. These include expanded in-person service through the opening/reopening of Taxpayer Assistance Centers, an expanded customer call back feature to reduce phone wait times, improvements to the 'Where's My Refund?' tool, enhanced paperless processing, and the introduction of enhanced IRS online accounts with chat help and the ability to store bank accounts for payments. Additionally, the IRS is launching a Direct File pilot program in mid-March, allowing certain taxpayers to file their returns directly with the IRS for free.

As tax season begins, taxpayers are reminded to stay informed about the latest updates and resources available to them through the Illinois Department of Revenue and the IRS websites. Filing early, choosing electronic filing, and opting for direct deposit are recommended to ensure a smooth and efficient tax filing process.