IRS Reports Declines in Filed Returns Despite a Small Increase in Average Refund
Residents of Massachusetts and Maine Are Encouraged to Take Quick Action as the Deadline Is Extended to April 17
Americans are rushing to get their anticipated $3,207 in tax refunds with just one week remaining before the April 15 deadline. With just 20,883,000 refunds issued out of 34,743,000 submitted returns, the IRS claims a modest rise in refund amounts over the previous year, but a reduction in the number of filed returns. According to Smart News, people are advised not to wait, particularly in Maine and Massachusetts where deadlines have been extended to April 17 owing to holidays.
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Optimizing Your Tax Return: Resources Provided by the IRS and Online Tax Software
The IRS provides tools to assist Americans in filing, such as IRS Free File, which is available to those making $79,000 or less in 2023, and the more recent IRS Direct File program, which is offered in some areas. A simple and inexpensive way to file taxes is using online tax software like TurboTax and H&R Block, some of which even let you pay with your refund. To guarantee that everyone can maximize their tax return before time runs out, tools such as Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, Tax Counseling for the Elderly, and MilTax are available for individuals who require further help.