2024 Tax Season Information
Tips to help people file in 2024
The IRS encourages taxpayers to take steps now to Get Ready to file their 2023 individual federal tax return. It's important for filers to gather all the correct information they need before filing their return. Organize and gather tax records including Social Security numbers, Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers, Adoption Identification Numbers and this year's Identity Protection Personal Identification Numbers (IP PIN). Filing an accurate return can help taxpayers avoid refund delays or later IRS mailings about a problem.
People should report all their taxable income and wait to file until they receive all income related documents. This is especially important for people who may receive various Forms 1099 from banks or other payers reporting unemployment compensation, dividends, pensions, annuities or retirement plan distributions. If a taxpayer receives Forms 1099-K, they should visit What to do with Form 1099-K to help them determine if that money should be reported as income on their federal tax return.
People should plan to file electronically with direct deposit. This is still the fastest and easiest way to file and receive a refund. To avoid delays in processing, people should avoid filing paper returns whenever possible.
Key 2024 filing season dates
January 12: IRS Free File opens.
January 16: Due date for 2023 fourth quarter estimated tax payments.
January 26: Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day.
January 29: Filing season start date for individual tax returns.
April 15: Due date of filing a tax return or to request an extension for most of the nation.
April 17: Due date for Maine and Massachusetts.
October 15: Due date for extension filers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Has the IRS tax season started yet?
Yes. This year start date of the filing season, when the IRS begins to accept and process returns, was January 23. We were able to submit returns on that date.
How long does it take for my Tax Return to be Filed?
We prepare and file returns in the order in which we receive them. It can vary drastically from a few days to a few weeks depending on how busy we are and how many other clients have submitted their paperwork. You can always call for a status update.
How long Until I Get My Refund?
Most refunds issued in less than 21 days; EITC refunds for many available starting February 27
Many different factors can affect the timing of a refund after the IRS receives a return. Although the IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days, the IRS cautions taxpayers not to rely on receiving a refund by a certain date, especially when making major purchases or paying bills.
Some returns may require additional review and may take longer. The easiest way to check a refund's status is by using Where's My Refund? on IRS.gov or the IRS2Go app.
Under the federal Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, the IRS cannot issue Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) refunds before mid-February. Where's My Refund? should show an updated status by February 17 for most early EITC/ACTC filers. The IRS expects most EITC/ACTC related refunds to be available in taxpayer bank accounts or on debit cards by February 27 if they chose direct deposit and there are no other issues with their tax return.
What is the Filing Deadline for 2024?
April 15 tax filing deadline for most taxpayers
For most taxpayers, the deadline to file their personal federal tax return, pay any tax owed or request an extension to file is Monday, April 15, 2024.
Taxpayers living in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 17, 2024, due to the Patriot's Day and Emancipation Day holidays. If a taxpayer resides in a federally declared disaster area, they also may have additional time to file.
Are You Still Taking Appointments?
Yes. We still take in-person and virtual appointments. It is the client's preference, we will accommodate anyway we can.
You can book an appointment anytime Click Here
*Please Note* Scott will not be taking any additional personal tax appointments from March 1 - March 15th 2024 to provide our business customers with the attention and service they require as we are approaching the corporate deadline.
Availability will be updated on the booking calendar.
You may still drop off or submit documents and we are still working on personal returns during this time.
How Do I Get into the Que?
As soon as we have the documents or you have had an appointment, you will be added into the system. Returns are prepared in the order we receive them.
How Do I Get My Documents to You?
You may drop off your documents in person Monday - Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm at the front desk.
You can mail your documents to us at:
Trout, James & Associates, PC 168 West Ridge Pike, Suite 125 Limerick, Pa 19468
You can also upload your documents at anytime 24/7 on The Client Portal. As soon as we receive notice of the upload your return will be logged into the que.
If you are an existing client and have not registered for the Client Portal you can Click Here To Register.
If you are a New Client you can Book an Initial Appointment or Contact Us to get started.
Why did The IRS Change the April 15th Deadline Last Year?
Emancipation Day is recognized on April 16 each year by the city of Washington, D.C. When the date falls on a Saturday, it is recognized on Friday, and city and federal offices close. When the day falls on a Sunday, the holiday is recognized on the Monday after.
In 2023, April 16 fell on a Sunday, so IRS and other offices were closed on Saturday, April 15. 2023
This year April 15th falls on a Monday so the deadline will be back to normal.
Emancipation Day has been recognized by D.C. since 2005, and recognizes President Abraham Lincoln's signing of the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act in 1862. The act set free 3,000 slaves in the capital. Read More
What If You Can't File Your Income Taxes By April 15th?
Taxpayers who don't have all of the paperwork needed in order to file their taxes can easily file an extension form, "Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return." - This will give the taxpayer until October 15 to file their tax return.
No reason or excuse is needed to receive this extension, and as the title states, it is automatically granted.
However, if a person will owe taxes, it is still their obligation to pay those taxes by April 18, even if they have requested an extension to file. A professional can assist with this.
Those who are due a refund generally only need to file the extension request by April 18. Any tax professional and most do-it-yourself tax programs can perform this task.
What about Individual States' tax season?
Since we service clients from across the united states, we can answer you specifically if you contact us. All the information is available online/ It is important to check your individual state. As with federal returns, the normal state filing deadline is April 18, with automatic six-month extensions available.
As in years past, the department is encouraging electronic filing of returns, especially for people seeking quick processing and refund payments. Last year, about 90% of tax returns were filed electronically.
If you file electronically, "you can look for your refund within a couple weeks of the return acceptance," the department said. "If you file a paper return, you can anticipate your refund within 6-8 weeks of the date you filed."
However, refunds flagged for accuracy, fraud or identity theft concerns can take longer.
