Skip the Hold Time: Use IRS Online Tools for Faster Tax Help

Avoid Presidents Day Phone Jams—Visit IRS.gov Instead

With the 2025 tax season in full swing and a surge in IRS phone traffic expected over Presidents Day weekend, the IRS urges taxpayers to take advantage of online tools at IRS.gov for quicker, hassle-free assistance.

Presidents Day weekend is one of the busiest times for tax-related calls, often leading to long wait times. Instead of waiting on hold, taxpayers can use the IRS website’s “Let Us Help You” page and other self-service resources to get instant answers.

File Smarter: Go Digital with E-File & Direct Deposit

Did you know? 93% of taxpayers file electronically, and most opt for direct deposit. The IRS strongly recommends e-filing and direct deposit to avoid the risks of paper checks—such as being lost, misdirected, or stolen.

Taxpayers can access free e-filing options through:
✅ IRS Free File (for those earning $84,000 or less)
✅ Direct File (available in 25 states)
✅ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) & Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) (for eligible filers)
✅ MilTax (free filing for military members and some veterans)

To check eligibility and start filing, visit IRS Free File or Direct File.

Stay Updated: Use Your IRS Online Account

Taxpayers with a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can create or log in to their IRS Online Account for instant access to:
🔹 Tax records & Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
🔹 Refund status updates
🔹 Payment history & balance details
🔹 Electronic payments & payment plans
🔹 Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) requests
🔹 Tax professional authorizations

Visit IRS Online Account to get started.

Track Your Refund: Use the ‘Where’s My Refund?’ Tool

No need to wonder when your refund will arrive—use the Where’s My Refund? tool for real-time updates.

💡 For Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) refunds:
🔸 Most will be available by March 3 (if filed electronically with direct deposit and no issues).
🔸 Check your status on February 22 for updates.

Get Answers 24/7: Use the Interactive Tax Assistant

Have tax questions? The Interactive Tax Assistant provides personalized answers about:
✔️ Filing requirements & status
✔️ Dependents & eligibility for credits
✔️ Taxable income & deductions

Be Prepared: Use IRS Filing Checklists

Before filing, ensure you have the right documents to avoid delays. Find a checklist at IRS.gov and check for common mistakes, such as:
📌 Missing W-2s, 1099s, or 1095-A forms
📌 Incorrect direct deposit details
📌 Misreported income (especially from Form 1099-K)

Maximize Your Refund: Check EITC Eligibility

Millions of eligible taxpayers miss out on the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) each year. Use the EITC Assistant to:
✔️ See if you qualify
✔️ Estimate your credit amount
✔️ Determine your filing status

Protect Yourself: Get an Identity Protection PIN

Worried about tax fraud? Secure your return with an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)—a six-digit code that prevents others from filing a return using your SSN or ITIN.

Request your IP PIN through your IRS Online Account.

Choose a Trusted Tax Professional

Need help filing? Use the IRS Directory of Tax Preparers to find a qualified expert.

🚨 Beware of ghost preparers who:
❌ Refuse to sign returns
❌ Claim inflated credits
❌ Charge fees based on refund amounts

Pro Tip: If a preparer won’t sign your return, walk away!

Avoid Surprises: Check Your Withholding

To prevent unexpected tax bills next year, use the Tax Withholding Estimator to ensure the right amount is being withheld from your paycheck.

If needed, submit an updated Form W-4 to your employer.