IRS Tax Filing Updates 2025: Everything You Should Be Aware Of

The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) carried out significant changes in this year to strengthen tax filing security measures. The IRS has implemented these changes to prevent loss of revenue through fraudulent activities and scams. The IRS has started these changes under their new initiative by introducing regulations for filing taxes through joint development with the Coalition Against Schemes and Scam Threats (CASST).

Tax Filing Season 2025 – Dates and Other Important Details

This year the tax filing season has begun from January 27, 2025 and will continue till April 15, 2025. If a person wants to file his tax return without any problem, then he has two and a half months.

This year the administration hopes that due to these changes the tax filing process will be more secure and cases of tax fraud will be reduced.

Major changes the IRS made in 2025

This year, the IRS has undertaken numerous major changes to make its tax filing process clearer and more secure. The most important changes include:

1. New Form Released for Fuel Tax Credit
   The IRS has released a new form for taxpayers reporting business use of fuel that is not taxable. Its main purpose is to avoid tax frauds and ensure proper reporting.
2. Boosting review of “Other Withholding” claims
   The IRS will now scrutinize claims made on line 25C of Form 1040. Taxpayers will be required to attach supporting documents, such as Schedule K-1, 8288-A, or W-2G to avoid delay in processing.
3. Strict action on “Ghost Preparers”
   Ghost preparers are those who prepare tax returns but do not disclose their identity. The IRS has cautioned that if a taxpayer’s tax return is suspected of being a “ghost preparer”, he may receive a notice from the IRS.
   Filing returns through such tax preparers will be considered a serious violation and may result in heavy fines for the taxpayer.
    

How to avoid fraud related to these new changes?

Not only have they modified to be safer, but they have also provided several very important guidelines to taxpayers so they could protect themselves against frauds.

Important Precautions Issued by IRS:

• Get Information from Official Sources: Get the information only from the official website of the IRS or from registered tax experts.
• Avoid false information available on social media – Scammers who provide false and misleading information related to tax are active on social media.
• Keep all documents and receipts safe – Keep all the papers and proofs related to tax filing safe so that they can be used when needed.

“Where is my refund?” Tool – How to check your refund status?

The IRS has launched a new “Direct File” program this year for the convenience of taxpayers, allowing more and more people to file their tax returns easily.

Last year’s average tax refund amount was $3,170, slightly higher than $3,145 (2022 season). This year, many Americans are expecting to get a bigger refund, as rising inflation has affected everyday essentials.

This allows the IRS “Where Is My Refund?” tool to show taxpayers the status of their refunds and how these will be received. Using the tool, you will get notified on the expected date of tax refund and on how it would be delivered to you. In order to reach the tool via the official IRS website, simply fill in all the requirements there.

• SSN or ITIN
• The return filing status continues to be at Single, Married and other possible options.
• Accurate amount

Conclusion

Multiple critical changes in the IRS tax filing process for 2025 are aimed at protecting system security, preventing fraud, and improving overall transparency. New rules have been set in place that affect the fuel tax credit form, require active scrutiny of line 25C, and implement strict penalties for ghost preparers.

Taxpayers need to check the IRS official website regularly for updates while avoiding wrong information and keeping their necessary records safe. The combination of proper rule compliance will result in an easier and more secure federal tax filing procedure for this year.

FAQs