Better Call 4 answers your tax filing questions

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — 'Tis the season to file your taxes, and Better Call 4 wants to help you get ready for a refund by answering some commonly asked tax time questions. 

When does tax season begin? 

According to the IRS, the 2025 tax season will start on Monday, Jan. 27. That means the agency will start accepting and processing returns at that time. But, if you have all of your documents and personal information on hand, you can starting preparing your return now. 

What's the best way for me to file? 

For those with low to moderate income, the IRS suggests going through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance or Tax Counseling for the Elderly. If your adjusted gross income was $84,000 or less in 2024, you may be eligible to file electronically and for free through IRS Free File. For everyone else, tax software or a licensed professional. 

But as Better Call 4 has told you before, don't hire anyone or hand over your information unless you've done your research.  

Are there any changes I should be aware of this filing season? 

The IRS said it is offering expanded in-person help through more hours at taxpayer assistance centers nationwide, and has also added Individual Online Accounts which will allow taxpayers to:

• Set up or change payment plans
• View, make and cancel payments
• Request an Identity Protection PIN, which the IRS said is an added layer of protection.  

"That is so that we will process a tax return that you filed," said Nichelle Gray, stakeholder liaison for the IRS. "An identity thief... They may try to file a tax return with your Social Security number on it. But without that IP PIN, it will not be processed."  

Once I file, when should I expect my refund? 

According to the IRS, most refunds are issued in 21 days or less. The fastest way to receive a refund is to file electronically and select "direct deposit” as paper refund checks are 16 times more likely to get lost, misdirected, stolen or go uncashed.  

Some returns may require a closer look and take a little longer to process, but while you wait, you can use the "Where's My Refund?" tool to check the status.