The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has reiterated that most taxpayers should file their 2024 tax returns by April 15, 2025, as long as their tax year coincides with the calendar year. However, there are extensions and exceptions for those who meet certain conditions, such as serving in the military abroad or residing outside the country. Furthermore, people who receive retirement plans, unemployment benefits or other state benefits must adjust the amounts declared on the corresponding forms if part of the income comes from the United States.
New developments in filing tax returns if benefits or pensions are received from the US Social Security system
For this tax year, the IRS states that those who receive retirement income or distributions from savings plans must attach all the forms that prove the withholdings made. If the taxpayer also receives unemployment or disability benefits, it is essential to collect the withholding certificates issued by the paying agency. Filing a complete and accurate return reduces the possibility of additional requirements and helps to speed up possible refunds.
Those who prepare their tax returns themselves can opt for electronic filing (e-file) software, bearing in mind that most companies offer this service for an additional fee. However, the Free File program, available on the official IRS website, offers the opportunity to file tax returns free of charge for those who meet the established income limits.
New deadlines and extensions for taxpayers with special circumstances in the upcoming tax season
If the deadline for filing (April 15, 2025, in most cases) falls on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, it will be automatically extended to the next working day. On the other hand, those who operate on a fiscal year other than the calendar year may file their return until the 15th day of the fourth month after the end of their fiscal year.
In addition, people who live and work outside the United States, including military personnel stationed abroad, have an automatic two-month extension to file and pay taxes without having to file Form 4868. However, any balance due will accrue interest from the original due date.
In the case of people affected by federally declared natural disasters, terrorist acts or military emergencies, the IRS offers additional deadlines that can be up to a year. To find out about each situation, it is advisable to consult the “Around the Nation” section on the official website of the tax agency.
How to sign documents correctly and avoid delays in filing returns
One of the most common mistakes is to submit paper returns without the corresponding signature or with incomplete attachments. To avoid incidents, it is essential to:
- Sign or validate electronically if the e-file service is chosen.
- In joint returns, both spouses must sign. If one of them cannot do so for medical reasons, a document explaining the situation and authorizing the other to sign on their behalf must be attached.
- Add all necessary documents (W-2, 1099-R, W-2G, etc.) in case of income tax withholdings and other items.
Likewise, if the return is submitted in printed format, the annexes must be ordered according to their numerical sequence in the upper right-hand corner and sent to the address indicated in the instructions of the chosen form.
Final recommendations for those who cannot pay the tax balance within the established period
If you do not have the full amount to pay off the debt by the due date, the IRS offers several payment plans, both through electronic transfers and with checks or money orders. It is important to remember that requesting an extension to file the return does not exempt you from the obligation to pay the amount due within the original deadline, as interest will be applied from that moment. Don’t hesitate to keep up to date with more related news by visiting the economy section of this digital newspaper.