It is not too early to start thinking about filing your tax return. The 2025 Tax season is about to begin. Tackle your tax return by writing down important dates, deciding how to prepare your 2024 taxes, and gathering all your materials. If you have an unsettled tax dispute, then this is for you too!
Big Dates to Know
January 27, 2025 – First day taxes can be filed!
January 31, 2025 – Deadline for employers to get W-2s to their employees.
April 15, 2025 – Deadline to file your taxes or file for an extension.
October 15, 2025 – Deadline to file taxes if you filed for an extension.
Plan the Tackle
Next decide where or how you are going to file your tax return or have it prepared. A variety of possibilities are listed below. With this in mind, read the qualification criteria to ensure it is a choice available to you.
- IRS Direct File – There are specific requirements regarding the ability to use this free tax filing option –therefore it is important to read the list of criteria. This is an option if you want to do prepare and file your own taxes electronically.
- IRS Free File – Available to those with adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less through a guided tax software. If you make more than $84,000 then fillable forms are still a free option available for you.
- IRS Volunteer programs – Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) are programs that offer free tax preparation for qualified individuals. In St. Lucie County, the current locations are: Indian River State College Main Campus, SLC Library Kilmer Branch, and Port St. Lucie Community Center. Visit Get Free Tax Prep Help to see if a location is opened near you!
- Tax Professionals– The IRS Tax Topic, How to choose a tax return preparer provides steps to find a tax preparer and some tips to help you select a qualified preparer.
Alternative Plays
Occasionally individuals are not able to file their tax return due to an earlier dispute or tax debt with the IRS. Below is a resource that can potentially help you tackle a dispute.
- Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) – Provides representation to individuals with a certain income level who need to resolve tax disputes. LITCs also provides education and representation to individuals who English is their second language. Although there is not a clinic in St. Lucie County, the nearest clinic is in West Plam Beach. Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County LITC offers services in Spanish, Haitian, and Creole. For other locations please visit the IRS Publication – Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List.
Old Pay Taxes Sign
Photo by The New York Public Library on Unsplash
Tackle the Materials
Once you have determined which way works for you, do not wait to schedule an appointment if you are using a service. Ensure you read their policies and procedures to be sure you are prepared when you arrive. Take the time to gather all the materials you need. General items needed are W-2(s), Social Secuity number(s), birth date(s), previous year’s tax return, however there is more. Visit the IRS – Gather your Documents to learn more about the documents you need or ask your service provider what they require of you.
If you have questions, then please feel free to reach out to Josey via phone 772-462-1895 or email her at josey.keener@ufl.edu. Now tackle your tax return with success in 2025!
Resources
Free Tax Preparation (VITA & MyFreeTaxes) | United Way of St. Lucie & Okeechobee. (2025). Uwslo.org. https://www.uwslo.org/vita
Get Free Tax Prep Help. (2025). Treasury.gov. https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/
Internal Revenue Service. (2019). Internal Revenue Service | An official website of the United States government. Irs.gov. https://www.irs.gov/
Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) – Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County. (2024, July 31). Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County. https://legalaidpbc.org/low-income-taxpayer-clinic/
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITC). (n.d.). Taxpayer Advocate Service. https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/about-us/low-income-taxpayer-clinics-litc/