Washington News

On March 24, 2025, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reminded taxpayers that they can improve the probability of a prompt refund by filing a correct tax return. The IRS offered tax tips on the best ways to ensure a speedy refund.

1. Tax Paperwork – Taxpayers should gather all their tax documents. The basic documents are IRS Form W-2’s, Form 1099’s and other information forms. There may be specific paperwork to support income tax deductions, education credits or mortgage interest payments. It is helpful to have the adjusted gross income (AGI) from your prior year tax return if you plan to file electronically. You can use an IRS Individual Online Account to view a Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement or Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement. These are under the Records and Status tab in your IRS account.
2. Names, Birthdates and Social Security Numbers (SSNs) – You must provide the correct name, date of birth and SSN for each dependent. Your name should be entered exactly as it appears on your Social Security card. If a dependent does not have an SSN, you can request an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN).
3. Electronic Filing – The IRS recommends you reduce math errors by using electronic filing. This might include IRS Free File, Free File Fillable Forms or Direct File. Your online tax software may highlight your potential tax credits or deductions. It also will check your return and prompt an entry if you have failed to include important information. If you choose to submit a paper tax return, you must be certain that you have the correct mailing address for the IRS. You can find the mailing address on IRS.gov.
4. Taxable Income – The majority of income is taxable. If you do not report your taxable income, you could be required to pay interest and penalties. Income includes interest earned from financial accounts, unemployment benefits, income from services or the gig economy and sale of digital assets.
5. Digital Assets – All taxpayers are asked on their tax return to answer either "Yes" or "No" to a digital asset question. You must answer this question even if you have not bought or sold digital assets in 2024. If you have a digital asset transaction, you should visit the Digital Assets webpage on IRS.gov.
6. Bank Routing and Account Numbers – Most taxpayers request an electronic transfer of their refund into a bank account. You should check to be certain you have the correct routing and account numbers. These are on the lower portion of a check. The routing and account numbers are also available on some prepaid debit cards. This is an option if you do not have a bank account.
7. Sign and Date – If you have a joint tax return, both spouses must sign and date the return. If you are filing electronically, you will need to authenticate the tax return by including your adjusted gross income from the prior year.
8. Tax Payments – Tax payments are due on April 15. Individuals in a federally declared disaster zone usually receive additional time to file. You may make payments using the Individual Online Account, Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) or through a debit or credit card.
9. Tax Filing Extension – Taxpayers may request a six-month extension for filing until October 15, 2025. You can pay using one of the online payment options and check the box requesting an extension. You can file Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return or request an extension through IRS Free File. The extension allows extra time for filing but is not an extension of time to make your tax payment. The exception to this rule is a limited number of individuals who are in a federally declared disaster zone.