Here are some simple things taxpayers can do throughout the year to make next filing season less stressful.
Organize tax records. Create a system that keeps all important information together. Taxpayers can use a software program for electronic recordkeeping or store paper documents in clearly labeled folders. They should add tax records to their files as they receive them. Organized records will make tax return preparation easier and may help taxpayers discover overlooked deductions or credits.
Identify filing status. A taxpayer's filing status determines their filing requirements, standard deduction, eligibility for certain credits and the correct amount of tax they should pay. If more than one filing status applies to a taxpayer, they can get help choosing the best one for their tax situation with the IRS’s Interactive Tax Assistant, What is my filing status? Changes in family life — marriage, divorce, birth and death — may affect a person's tax situation, including their filing status and eligibility for certain tax credits and deductions.
Understand adjusted gross income (AGI). AGI and tax rate are important factors in figuring taxes. AGI is the taxpayer's income from all sources minus any adjustments. Generally, the higher a taxpayer's AGI, the higher their tax rate and the more tax they pay. Tax planning can include making changes during the year that lower a taxpayer's AGI.
Check withholding. Since federal taxes operate on a pay-as-you-go basis, taxpayers need to pay most of their tax as they earn income. Taxpayers should check that they're withholding enough from their pay to cover their taxes owed, especially if their personal or financial situations change during the year. To check withholding, taxpayers can use the IRS Withholding Estimator. If they want to change their tax withholding, taxpayers should provide their employer with an updated Form W-4.
Make address and name changes. Taxpayers should notify the United States Postal Service, employers and the IRS of any address change. To officially change a mailing address with the IRS, taxpayers must compete Form 8822, Change of Address, and mail it to the correct address for their area. For detailed instructions, see page 2 of the form. Report any name change to the Social Security Administration. Making these changes as soon as possible will help make filing their tax return easier.
Save for retirement. Saving for retirement can also lower a taxpayer's AGI. Certain contributions to a retirement plan at work and to a traditional IRA may also reduce taxable income.
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IRS Tax Tip 2025-38, June 11, 2025
2025年07月05日
2025年06月07日
What taxpayers should do if they get mail from the IRS
IRS sends notices and letters when it needs to ask a question about a taxpayer’s federal tax return, let them know about a change to their account or request a payment. Don’t panic if mail comes from the IRS – they’re here to help.
When a taxpayer receives mail from the IRS, they should:
Read the letter carefully. Most IRS letters and notices are about federal tax returns or tax accounts. Each notice deals with a specific issue and includes any steps the taxpayer needs to take. A notice may reference changes to a taxpayer's account, taxes owed, a payment request or a specific issue on a tax return. Taking prompt action could minimize additional interest and penalty charges.
Review the information. If a letter is about a changed or corrected tax return, the taxpayer should review the information and compare it with the original return. If the taxpayer agrees, they should make notes about the corrections on their personal copy of the tax return and keep it for their records. Typically, a taxpayer will need to act only if they don't agree with the information, if the IRS asked for more information or if they have a balance due.
Take any requested action, including making a payment. The IRS and authorized private debt collection agencies do send letters by mail. Taxpayers can also view digital copies of select IRS notices by logging into their IRS Online Account. The IRS offers several options to help taxpayers struggling to pay a tax bill.
Reply only if instructed to do so. Taxpayers don't need to reply to a notice unless specifically told to do so. There is usually no need to call the IRS. If a taxpayer does need to call the IRS, they should use the number in the upper right-hand corner of the notice and have a copy of their tax return and letter.
Let the IRS know of a disputed notice. If a taxpayer doesn't agree with the IRS, they should follow the instructions in the notice to dispute what the notice says. The taxpayer should include information and documents for the IRS to review when considering the dispute.
Keep the letter or notice for their records. Taxpayers should keep notices or letters they receive from the IRS. These include adjustment notices when the IRS takes action on a taxpayer's account. Taxpayers should keep records for three years from the date they filed the tax return.
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IRS Tax Tip 2025-33, May 27, 2025
When a taxpayer receives mail from the IRS, they should:
Read the letter carefully. Most IRS letters and notices are about federal tax returns or tax accounts. Each notice deals with a specific issue and includes any steps the taxpayer needs to take. A notice may reference changes to a taxpayer's account, taxes owed, a payment request or a specific issue on a tax return. Taking prompt action could minimize additional interest and penalty charges.
Review the information. If a letter is about a changed or corrected tax return, the taxpayer should review the information and compare it with the original return. If the taxpayer agrees, they should make notes about the corrections on their personal copy of the tax return and keep it for their records. Typically, a taxpayer will need to act only if they don't agree with the information, if the IRS asked for more information or if they have a balance due.
Take any requested action, including making a payment. The IRS and authorized private debt collection agencies do send letters by mail. Taxpayers can also view digital copies of select IRS notices by logging into their IRS Online Account. The IRS offers several options to help taxpayers struggling to pay a tax bill.
Reply only if instructed to do so. Taxpayers don't need to reply to a notice unless specifically told to do so. There is usually no need to call the IRS. If a taxpayer does need to call the IRS, they should use the number in the upper right-hand corner of the notice and have a copy of their tax return and letter.
Let the IRS know of a disputed notice. If a taxpayer doesn't agree with the IRS, they should follow the instructions in the notice to dispute what the notice says. The taxpayer should include information and documents for the IRS to review when considering the dispute.
Keep the letter or notice for their records. Taxpayers should keep notices or letters they receive from the IRS. These include adjustment notices when the IRS takes action on a taxpayer's account. Taxpayers should keep records for three years from the date they filed the tax return.
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IRS Tax Tip 2025-33, May 27, 2025
2025年05月03日
【Taxpayers should check their withholding now to prepare for next year】
Proper tax withholding now is key to avoiding surprises when taxpayers file next year. Making any needed adjustments early means taxpayers won’t have to make a big change later in the year to catch up.
The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator is a free online tool that helps workers, independent contractors and retirees determine if they have the right amount of federal income tax withheld from their paychecks. Using it can prevent taxpayers from having an unexpectedly large tax bill or a substantial refund when they file in 2026.
How the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator helps taxpayers plan ahead
The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator is a free online tool that helps workers, independent contractors and retirees determine if they have the right amount of federal income tax withheld from their paychecks. Using it can prevent taxpayers from having an unexpectedly large tax bill or a substantial refund when they file in 2026.
How the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator helps taxpayers plan ahead
Taxes are pay-as-you-go, which means taxpayers need to pay their tax as they receive their income. They do this through withholding.
For employees, “withholding” refers to the federal income tax portion of each paycheck that an employer takes out for tax purposes. It can also mean the amount from earnings self-employed people and others voluntarily set aside to pay their estimated taxes.
Taxes are pay-as-you-go, which means taxpayers need to pay their tax as they receive their income. They do this through withholding.
After using the Tax Withholding Estimator, taxpayers can determine if they need to submit an updated Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Certificate, to their employer or adjust the amount they voluntarily set aside for tax purposes.
By adjusting tax withholding, taxpayers can:
•Prevent owing money and potential penalties at tax time.
•Adjust withholdings to increase take-home pay instead of waiting for a refund.
Use the tool once a year
By using the estimator once a year, taxpayers can manage their estimates based on any personal life change, such as buying a home, changing jobs, having a child or changing their marital status.
For people who recently completed their 2024 tax return, the IRS advises using the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to consider all income sources such as full-time wages, side jobs and any sale of services or commodities typically reported on Form 1099-K.
Required documents
For an effective tax withholding estimate, taxpayers will need certain documents including:
•All income statements, including those of their spouse if filing jointly
•Data from other sources of earnings
•Their most recent income tax return
Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax, provides instructions for taxpayers with complex tax situations that are difficult to solve through the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator. These cases may involve taxpayers responsible for the alternative minimum tax or other taxes and those with long-term capital gains or qualified dividends.
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IRS Tax Tip 2025-28
IRS Tax Tip 2025-28
