Navigating Online Tax Payments with Ease: Your 2024 Guide
The famous saying holds true: The certainties in life are death and taxes. In the United States, the intricacies of taxes vary significantly by state, coupled with the federal government’s complex tax codes. Navigating this landscape can often feel daunting.
Essential Tax Season Dates
Let’s address the fundamental question: when are taxes due? Typically, the tax filing deadline is the 15th day of the fourth month following the fiscal year-end, which is generally April 15. Should this date coincide with a weekend or a public holiday, the deadline shifts to the next business day. Therefore, 2024 taxes must be submitted by April 15, 2025.
Beginning Your Tax Filing Process
The tax season officially commences once the IRS starts accepting submissions in late January. Employers are obligated to issue W-2 forms by the end of January, ensuring that most citizens have the necessary documentation to begin filing. This upcoming tax season starts on January 29, 2024. Filing early is strongly advised to prevent complications and stress, and it also minimizes the risk of identity theft.
Filing Taxes Online: A Simple Guide
One efficient method to file federal taxes is through the IRS Free Filing Tool, directly available on their website. This tool is applicable for individuals with an adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less for 2024. To utilize this service, select the 'Free File' option on IRS.gov. You'll then be guided to a partner site, operated by software companies part of the Free File Alliance, offering their tax software for free to U.S. taxpayers.
For those who meet the criteria and have a straightforward return, the free filing service includes commonly used forms. Necessary documents include the previous year's tax return, social security number, and any W-2 forms. Post submission, you can monitor your progress via your online IRS account and will be notified upon acceptance of your return.
The IRS website provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide for filing your taxes and offers assistance from IRS-certified volunteers for taxpayers with disabilities or limited English proficiency.
State Tax Filing Requirements
The IRS Free Filing Tool is exclusive to federal taxes, necessitating an additional check of your state’s tax filing requirements. The IRS site contains a list of resources for each state, offering taxation information, employer links, and business guidelines. Although not updated since 2023, it serves as a good starting point for locating state-specific tax forms and resources.
If your income exceeds $84,000 or if you have more complicated tax circumstances, such as owning a small business, you will need to explore other tax services. Numerous popular services are available that can accommodate these needs.