The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has concluded the 2024 tax filing season

The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has concluded the 2024 tax filing season. Here are the key highlights from this year's filing season:

Enhanced Phone Service:

The IRS answered over 1 million more taxpayer phone calls compared to the previous year, demonstrating a double-digit gain in critical areas. This improvement was made possible through funding from the Inflation Reduction Act.

Increased In-Person Assistance:

Over 170,000 more people received in-person assistance from the IRS, showcasing a substantial increase in service levels not seen in over a decade. IRS employees at Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) served 648,000 taxpayers, a 37% increase from the previous year.

Improved Online Services:

IRS.gov experienced a surge in visits, with 75 million more visits compared to last year. The introduction of an expanded Where’s My Refund? tool contributed significantly to this increase, providing taxpayers with easy access to vital information.

Faster Response Times:

Taxpayers experienced shorter wait times when seeking assistance via phone, with average wait times reducing to just over three minutes. This marks a substantial improvement from previous filing seasons.

Callback Options:

The IRS offered callback options on 97% of its phone lines, saving taxpayers nearly 1.4 million hours of wait time. This efficient option was utilized by over 4 million taxpayers during the tax season.

Volunteer Assistance:

Volunteer sites, including Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites, processed more than 2.3 million tax returns, providing valuable assistance to taxpayers.

Free Filing Options:

More taxpayers utilized free filing options, with over 450,000 additional returns filed through volunteer sites, Direct File, and Free File. The Direct File pilot, in particular, generated significant participation after its wide release in mid-March.

Usage of IRS.gov and Chatbot:

IRS.gov witnessed higher usage, especially the Where’s My Refund? tool, which accounted for over 275 million visits. The IRS chatbot also experienced increased utilization, demonstrating the effectiveness of online resources.

IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel expressed satisfaction with the improvements, noting that a well-funded IRS has made a substantial difference in taxpayer service levels. He emphasized the ongoing commitment to further enhancements and transformation within the IRS to better serve taxpayers throughout the year.

Taxpayers needing an extension have options to file for an automatic extension through Oct. 15, although payment obligations remain due on April 15, 2024.

Overall, the 2024 tax filing season showcased significant strides in IRS service delivery, reflecting a commitment to efficiency and taxpayer support.

SOURCE: 

• IRS delivers strong 2024 tax filing season; expands services for millions of people on phones, in-person and online with expanded funding | Internal Revenue Service