Salt Lake City — Tax season is here, and if you're feeling like you're caught in a whirlwind of confusion, you’re not alone. Between President Trump, Elon Musk, and the IRS making headlines, it’s hard to know where to look. Add in changes to tax laws and, well, you might feel like you need a seatbelt just to survive filing this year. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s the lowdown on the chaos and how to handle it.
What’s All the Fuss About?
Let’s start with the basics: The IRS has been dealing with a lot. Between ever-changing tax laws, mounting firing of IRS employees, and DOGE the agency has had its hands full. Toss in the fact that some pandemic-era tax credits have expired, and now tax refunds are down by about $1,000 per taxpayer, and things are looking a little chaotic.
If you were counting on those extra credits from the past couple of years to fatten up your refund, you might be in for a rude awakening. So, what’s going on behind the scenes?
What’s New for 2025?
Expect longer wait times than usual. Thanks to a wave of IRS staff retirements, employee buyouts, firings, and a general shortage of help, it’s going to take longer to get things done. Phone lines? Jammed. Questions? Expect to wait weeks, even months, for a response.
Then there are the tax law changes. Those expanded child tax credits and deductions for remote work? Gone. If you were counting on that extra cash, your refund could be smaller—or, in some cases, you may even owe more than expected. That’s a major shock for people who thought they were in the clear after the pandemic benefits.
Surviving the IRS Chaos:
But don’t panic just yet! There are ways to navigate the storm. Here's how to get through the madness and file with confidence:
- Keep Your Records Tight: With an increase in use of AI, Chatbots’ etc, the IRS may appear extra picky this year, so make sure you have all the right forms, receipts, and documentation. If you don’t, your return might get flagged for review—and trust us, no one wants that.
- File Early: The sooner you file, the better. It’ll help you avoid getting stuck in the backlog, and you’ll get your refund faster (hopefully!).
- Consult a Pro: If your taxes are more complicated, consider talking to a tax professional. They can help you make sense of the changes and ensure your return is accurate. If you don’t have a tax professional let us know, we can refer you to a number of good CPAs, bookkeepers, etc.
- Don't Ignore IRS Notices: If you get something from the IRS, deal with it quickly. Ignoring it can lead to bigger issues, and nobody wants that. If you do ignore those notices and need help, contact us.
Roll with the Changes:
Yes, the IRS needed an update. Reducing staff isn’t always a bad thing, and integrating AI and automation into the system will eventually make things run smoother. But, right now, we’re all just trying to get through the rough waters. So, don’t get swept away by the chaos—stay informed, stay organized, and get your taxes in on time. With the right plan, you’ll be able to navigate this tax season with a little less stress.
Tax Problems Are Legal Problems, and We Solve Both:
If you or someone you know is having trouble with federal or state taxes and needs help ending their IRS nightmare, reach out to Kent Brown at Strong & Hanni. You can reach me at (801) 532-7080, or email me at kbrown@strongandhanni.com. For more information, visit my ActiveRain profile at https://activerain.com/profile/kbrowndad or my Strong & Hanni webpage at https://strongandhanni.com/attorneys/attorney-kent-brown/.
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