BALTIMORE — Tax season starts Monday.
The IRS is now accepting and processing the 2023 federal income tax returns.
Even though the tax deadline isn't until April, it's important for people not to delay filing taxes. To see if a nearby Taxpayer Assistance Center is offering extended hours, click here.
We have a few tips you need to know.
First, the fastest way to get a refund is to file your return early and to file electronically.
You can request the money to be deposited in your account directly.
Second, the IRS has a couple free options.
There's the Free File program that lets taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $79,000 or less use free commercial software to prepare and e-file returns.
The IRS also has free fillable forms and the direct file pilot program.
This program initially will be available to people in 12 states.
It will be open to the rest of the public by mid March.
In Maryland, state comptroller Brooke Lierman announced a new way for business owners to pay their taxes through a program called "Maryland Tax Connect."
"Maryland Tax Connect" will be available to business tax filers starting Feb. 6.
The goal is to make the service available to all Marylanders by early 2026.
Even with all these resources, experts are reminding you that it's important to not wait until the last minute.
And one more thing you want to be mindful of is IRS impersonation scams.
These scams rise during this time of year.
If you get a phone call or a text message from someone claiming to be the IRS, do not respond.
Click below to access more available resources provided by the IRS:
- IRS Online Account: Taxpayers can securely access their individual account information.
- Where’s My Refund?: Taxpayers can check their refund status and estimated delivery date.
- Identity Protection Pin (IP PIN): Taxpayers can prevent someone from using their information to file a fraudulent tax return.
- Get Transcript: Taxpayers can view and print a tax transcript online.
- Direct Pay: Taxpayers can make tax payments or estimated tax payments from their checking or savings account.
- Electronic Federal Tax Payment System: Individuals or businesses can make all types of federal tax payments.
- Online Payment Agreement: Taxpayers can set up installment payments to pay taxes they owe.
- Where’s My Amended Return?: Taxpayers can track the status of their amended return.
- Interactive Tax Law Assistant: Individuals can get answers to many tax questions.
- All IRS Forms and Publications: Individuals can find and download current tax forms, instructions and publications. Those who do not have access to the internet can call 800-829-3676 to order tax forms by mail.