The Clock is Ticking: Tax Season Begins January 26
As of January 26, American taxpayers can start submitting their tax returns for 2025, kicking off the highly anticipated and often dreaded tax filing season. With the IRS gearing up to process a staggering 164 million individual income tax returns this year, which is comparable to last year's numbers, the agency is bracing itself for what could be a challenging season.
The IRS has been grappling with an unprecedented brain drain of over 26% of its workforce, as tens of thousands of experienced tax collectors have left the agency through planned layoffs and buyouts sparked by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. This exodus has raised concerns among tax experts, who warn that the impending shortage of skilled workers could hinder the agency's ability to efficiently process returns.
Despite these challenges, IRS officials remain optimistic about the upcoming season. Frank Bisignano, the new CEO of the agency, assures taxpayers that the workforce remains committed to its mission and that the organization has updated its information systems to incorporate the latest tax laws. Additionally, the IRS will be implementing major provisions from Republicans' tax and spending package, which may lead to more questions for taxpayers.
Acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent expressed confidence in the agency's ability to deliver results and drive growth for businesses and consumers alike. While the average refund amount is expected to increase due to Republican tax law changes, experts caution that this year's filing season could be rocky, particularly with the reduced workforce and significant tax law changes on the horizon.
As taxpayers begin their journey into tax season, it remains to be seen how the IRS will navigate these challenges. With a critical deadline of April 15 looming, one thing is certain: it's time to dig out those W-2s and start working on that tax return.
As of January 26, American taxpayers can start submitting their tax returns for 2025, kicking off the highly anticipated and often dreaded tax filing season. With the IRS gearing up to process a staggering 164 million individual income tax returns this year, which is comparable to last year's numbers, the agency is bracing itself for what could be a challenging season.
The IRS has been grappling with an unprecedented brain drain of over 26% of its workforce, as tens of thousands of experienced tax collectors have left the agency through planned layoffs and buyouts sparked by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. This exodus has raised concerns among tax experts, who warn that the impending shortage of skilled workers could hinder the agency's ability to efficiently process returns.
Despite these challenges, IRS officials remain optimistic about the upcoming season. Frank Bisignano, the new CEO of the agency, assures taxpayers that the workforce remains committed to its mission and that the organization has updated its information systems to incorporate the latest tax laws. Additionally, the IRS will be implementing major provisions from Republicans' tax and spending package, which may lead to more questions for taxpayers.
Acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent expressed confidence in the agency's ability to deliver results and drive growth for businesses and consumers alike. While the average refund amount is expected to increase due to Republican tax law changes, experts caution that this year's filing season could be rocky, particularly with the reduced workforce and significant tax law changes on the horizon.
As taxpayers begin their journey into tax season, it remains to be seen how the IRS will navigate these challenges. With a critical deadline of April 15 looming, one thing is certain: it's time to dig out those W-2s and start working on that tax return.
164 million returns? That's crazy! I'm not sure how they're gonna keep up with all the submissions. And what's with Elon Musk having a say in government efficiency? Not exactly the most reliable info 
[www.cbsnews.com](http://www.cbsnews.com)
! I feel so bad for all those people who are struggling to make ends meet and have to deal with this massive headache every year. The fact that Elon Musk's layoffs have caused such a huge brain drain at the IRS is just insane 
. Can't we just have one smooth season without any major hiccups? 
I know some people might be all about those Republican tax law changes, but for me, it just means more stress and uncertainty. How are people supposed to plan their finances when they don't even know what's going on with the tax laws? 
! I'm not a fan of the chaos that comes with it. The fact that 26% of the IRS workforce has left is pretty concerning - what's going to happen when all those returns pile up? I hope they're prepared for the workload. And honestly, I don't love the changes from the Republican tax and spending package... more questions, not answers 
.
. How are they expecting everything to go smoothly? Have they even considered the impact on people who need help with their taxes? Not to mention the changes from that new Republican bill... it's like they're throwing a bunch of curveballs 
at us. Anyway, can't wait for April 15th to be over 
January 26th can't come soon enough, but I know I'll be spending hours on my laptop with a cup of coffee trying to figure out all the changes to the tax laws 
The new CEO is trying to reassure us that everything will be okay, but what about the 26% brain drain? Like, how are they gonna handle all those returns without some actual human beings helping them out?! 
It's just so frustrating when you're waiting for your refund and it takes forever 
I'm low-key freaking out about this tax season already... like, I know we need our government to function, but do we really have to make us feel like we're being squeezed for every penny? I mean, the thought of trying to navigate all those new tax laws and dealing with a reduced workforce just makes me wanna hide under my bed until April 15th 
... just kidding! sorta 
fingers crossed everything goes smoothly and we get our refunds back faster than ever 
. And don't even get me started on the reduced workforce... it's like, how can they expect us to file our taxes without any human help?! 
Fingers crossed everyone stays calm and that the IRS manages to pull off some kinda magic this year 
. Wish me luck when I start digging out my W-2s... I'll need all the good vibes I can get 
the only thing that's got me worried is if they're gonna have to process 164 million returns in like 4 months lol that's crazy talk! but fingers crossed everything goes smoothly