Tax Season 2025

📌 1. Tax Filing Season Is Underway

• The IRS began accepting 2025 tax returns (for the 2026 filing season) in late January. Most refunds — including those tied to credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit — are expected via direct deposit within about 21 days for e-filed returns. Paper checks continue to be phased out.

💰 2. Tax Credits to Know About

Many taxpayers are still missing out on credits they’re eligible for. Two of the most important this season:

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

• A valuable credit for low- to moderate-income workers and families.

• Millions don’t claim it each year even when eligible.

Child Tax Credit (CTC)

• Worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child in 2025/2026 federal filing, with a refundable portion that can increase refunds even for families who owe little to no tax.

👉 Other credits and deductions — including retirement savings credits, student loan interest deduction, and more — are also commonly overlooked.

🚨 3. IRS Scam Alerts – Be Very Cautious

Fake IRS Messages About Refunds or Payments

Taxpayers are still receiving texts/emails claiming:

• You’re eligible for a stimulus/refund payment if you click a link

• You owe tax and must pay immediately

• You have an audit or account issue
  These are scams. The IRS will never initiate contact via email, text, or social media asking for personal or financial information.

What to do if you receive one:

• Don’t click links

• Don’t respond

• Forward suspicious emails to phishing@irs.gov

• Forward scam texts to 202-552-1226 (IRS spam reporting)

Scammers also use IRS logos and official-sounding language to trick people — including fake Economic Impact Payment or refund notices.

🧠 4. Red Flags of IRS Scams

• Any request for sensitive info via text, email, or DM

• Links that aren’t irs.gov/

• Urgent threats (“Your account will be frozen!”)

• Unsolicited offers of payments or credits you didn’t request
  Remember: If you’re contacted about a refund or credit and want to verify it, always go directly to IRS.gov and use official tools like “Where’s My Refund?” — don’t use links in messages.

🛡️ BONUS TIP: Protect Yourself

The IRS offers an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) — a special 6-digit number that helps block identity thieves from filing taxes in your name. Anyone with an SSN or ITIN can request one, and it’s a good idea especially if you’ve experienced fraud before.

🗓 Key Points

• Filing season is open. Refunds may be faster via e-file and direct deposit.

• EITC and CTC remain important refundable credits many taxpayers miss.

• IRS will not text or email you first to ask for info or links — that’s almost always a scam.