IRS: How to Get Organized for Tax Season

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Although the federal income tax filing deadline isn’t until April, the 2025 tax season will be here before you know it. But you don’t need to wait until late January gets here to start getting ready.

There are some things you can do now to help you prepare for filing your 2024 tax return.

Create an IRS.gov account

If you don’t already have an IRS online account, now is the best time to create one. With an online account, you can access important information, such as your prior year’s adjusted gross income (AGI), that you might need this tax season.

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Here are some other things the IRS says you can do with an online account:

Request tax transcripts
Check your outstanding tax balance and schedule payments
View your payment history
Review current payment plans and apply for new ones
View IRS notices before they arrive in the mail (not available for all types of notices)
Update and save bank account information

Organize tax documents

While an IRS online account can help you access tax documents for prior years, you’ll still need to gather all your documents for 2024.

This might include documents regarding life changes, such as having a new baby or getting married. It's also a good idea to organize receipts for expenses, big and small (for example, property taxes and mortgage interest).

Gathering all your information before tax season begins can make filing your taxes easier than if you wait.

Of course, you will also need your W-2s and 1099s (which you should receive in early 2025), but if you’re self-employed or work as a freelancer, you might want to organize receipts and review bank statements that you already have access to.

it’s important to have all year-end documents to file your income tax return. Having all the necessary information before you file minimizes the risk of making a mistake and needing to file an amended return.

Review IRS tax changes

IRS rules can change from year to year. So, it’s a good idea to review any 2024 tax changes before you file your tax return in early 2025.

For example, the standard deduction amounts are inflation-adjusted each year, so they are higher for 2024 than they were last year. Income tax brackets and several contribution limits (including for medical and retirement savings accounts) have also been adjusted for inflation.

Consider a tax pro

Now is a good time to consider who will prepare your taxes or if you will file them yourself. There are plenty of tax preparation options available, including software that can guide you through the process (such as those provided by Intuit’s TurboTax and H&R Block). You might also choose to hire a tax professional, such as an accountant, enrolled agent, or tax lawyer, especially if your tax situation is complex.

Taxpayers with an AGI of $79,000 or less may be eligible to use the IRS Free File program. Eligible taxpayers may also be able to file their state income tax returns at no charge through one of the IRS Free File partners.

Katelyn has more than 6 years of experience working in tax and finance. While she specialized in tax content while working at Kiplinger from 2023 to 2024, Katelyn has also written for digital publications on topics including insurance, retirement, and financial planning and had financial advice commissioned by national print publications. She believes knowledge is the key to success and enjoys providing content that educates and informs.