The IRS has announced that the 2025 filing season for individual income tax returns will begin on January 27. This date marks the start of the agency’s acceptance and processing of 2024 tax year returns. Even if you typically file closer to the mid-April deadline, or you file an extension, early submission is advisable this year.
Early filing can potentially protect you against tax identity theft. Our team at Rudler have put together some answers to common questions taxpayers may have about the filing process.

How can your tax identity be stolen?
Tax identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information — such as your Social Security Number — to file a fraudulent tax return and claim a refund in your name. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect yourself from this type of fraud is to file your tax return as early as possible.
The IRS processes returns on a first-come, first-served basis. Once your legitimate return is in the system, thieves will have a tougher time filing a false return.
Are there other advantages to filing early?
In addition to protecting yourself from tax identity theft, another advantage of filing early is that if you are getting a refund, you will get it faster. The IRS expects to issue most refunds in less than 21 days. The time may be shorter if you file electronically and receive a refund by direct deposit into a bank account.
Direct deposit also avoids the possibility that a refund check could be lost, stolen, returned to the IRS as undeliverable or caught in mail delays.
What is this year’s deadline?
For most taxpayers, the filing deadline to submit 2024 returns or file an extension is Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (The IRS has granted extensions to victims of certain disasters to file tax returns and pay taxes due.) Some years, the due date is a day or two later if April 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, but that isn’t the case this year.
What if you can not file by April 15?
You can file for an automatic extension on IRS Form 4868 if you are not ready to file by the deadline. If you file for an extension by April 15, you will have until October 15, 2025, to file. Remember that an extension of time to file your return does not grant you any extension of time to pay your taxes. You should estimate and pay any taxes owed by the regular deadline to help avoid penalties.
When will your W-2s and 1099s arrive?
To file your tax return, you need all your Forms W-2 and 1099. January 31 is the deadline for employers to issue 2024 W-2s to employees and, generally, for businesses to issue Forms 1099 to recipients of any 2024 interest, dividend or reportable miscellaneous income payments (including those made to independent contractors).
If you have not received a W-2 or 1099 by February 1, first contact the entity that should have issued it. If that does not work, contact your Rudler advisor how to proceed.
What if I can not pay my tax bill in full?
If you can not pay what you owe by April 15, there are generally penalties and interest. You should still file your return on time because there are failure-to-file penalties in addition to failure-to-pay penalties. You should generally pay as much as possible and request an installment payment plan. We can discuss this in greater detail if you are in this situation.
Let’s get started
Please contact your Rudler, PSC advisor at 859-331-1717 if you would like an appointment to prepare your return. Rudler PSC can help ensure an accurate filing of your return and receive available tax breaks specialized in your situation.
RUDLER, PSC CPAs and Business Advisors
This week's Rudler Review is presented by Brandon Hughes, Staff Accountant and Evan Kandra, CPA.
If you would like to discuss your particular situation, contact Brandon or Evan at 859-331-1717.


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