NEW YORK — As tax season begins, the IRS is anticipating that around 140 million individuals will submit their tax returns by the deadline of April 15. In a bid to assist taxpayers, the agency has launched a new online resource designed to help them track the status of any potential refunds they may be due.

This week, President Donald Trump has proposed a buyout plan for federal employees, a move aimed at streamlining the size of the government workforce. This proposal could influence staffing at the IRS during this crucial time of the year, though the specific effects remain unclear. The IRS has not provided immediate commentary regarding this situation.

Here is some important information taxpayers should keep in mind:

**When can I expect my refund?**
If you file your taxes electronically, the IRS indicates that your refund should arrive within 21 days or fewer. Choosing direct deposit may facilitate an even quicker turnaround. Conversely, paper returns can take four weeks or longer, especially if the return needs amendments or corrections, which can extend the time further. The IRS advises against relying on receiving a refund by a specific date, particularly when planning major purchases or financial commitments.

**How can I monitor my refund status?**
Taxpayers can utilize the “Where’s My Refund?” tool online to check the status of their income tax refund as soon as 24 hours after submitting electronically or typically within four weeks for paper returns. The information from this tool is refreshed once daily during the night. To check the status, you will need:

— Your Social Security or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

— Your filing status

— The refund amount noted on your return

**What is the refund process?**
If you have contributed more through withholdings than you owe in taxes over the year, you should be eligible for a refund. Furthermore, even if you do not owe excess tax, you might still receive a refund if you qualify for certain refundable credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit. To process your refund, filing a tax return is necessary, and you have a window of three years to file for a tax refund.

**Do I meet the requirements for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)?**
To be eligible for the EITC, your investment income must not exceed $11,600, and your earnings must fall below specific thresholds based on your circumstances. For instance, singles without children must earn $18,591 or less, while married couples filing jointly with three or more children must have an income of $66,819 or under. You can utilize the EITC Assistant tool online to verify your qualification based on your marital status and the number of dependents.

**What about the Child Tax Credit?**
If you have a child, you are likely eligible for the Child Tax Credit, which can provide up to $2,000 for each qualifying child. To be eligible, the child must:

— Hold a Social Security number

— Be under the age of 17 at the conclusion of 2024

— Be listed as a dependent on your tax return

You can receive the full Child Tax Credit amount for each eligible child if you satisfy all eligibility requirements and your annual income does not surpass $200,000, or $400,000 for joint filers.

**What changes are occurring this year?**
This tax season marks an expansion of a program by the IRS that allows individuals to file their taxes directly without incurring charges. The federal Direct File program, which enables taxpayers with straightforward W-2 forms to prepare and submit their returns directly to the IRS without commercial tax software, has grown to include 25 states, a significant increase from the 12 states involved in last year’s pilot.

In 2024, participants in the pilot program reported claiming over $90 million in refunds, as highlighted by the IRS in October.