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Free File Opens Today; Offers Brand-Name Free Federal and Free State Tax Software
IR-2017-05, Jan. 13, 2017 — The IRS and its private-sector partners today announced the 2017 opening of Free File, the free tax software preparation program that gives eligible taxpayers a dozen options for brand-name products.

Who Will Prepare Your Tax Return?
IR-2017-04, Jan. 12, 2017 – As the start of tax filing season approaches, the IRS is reminding taxpayers to start thinking about who will prepare their 2016 federal tax return.

Security Summit Alert: New Two-Stage E-mail Scheme Targets Tax Professionals
IR-2017-03, Jan. 11, 2017 – The IRS, state tax agencies and tax industry leaders today warned tax professionals to be alert to an email scam from cybercriminals posing as clients soliciting their services.

National Taxpayer Advocate Delivers Annual Report to Congress; Urges IRS Reform and Tax Reform
IR-2017-02, Jan. 10, 2017— National Taxpayer Advocate Nina E. Olson today released her 2016 annual report to Congress, recommending that the IRS revamp its “Future State” plan to adopt a taxpayer-centric focus and urging Congress to emphasize simplification when it considers tax reform later this year.

Prepared Remarks of Commissioner John Koskinen on 2017 Filing Season Kickoff 
January 5, 2017 — Commissioner John Koskinen speaks at press briefing on 2017 Filing Season Kickoff and Security Summit.

IRS and Partners Look to Start of 2017 Tax Season; Encourage use of IRS.gov and e-File; Warn of Refund Delays 
IR-2017-01, Jan. 5, 2017 — The IRS and partners from the states and tax industry today reminded taxpayers that the nation’s 2017 individual income tax filing season opens Jan. 23.

IRS Offers Free Tax Help
IR-2016-175, Dec. 29, 2016 — As tax filing season approaches, the IRS reminds taxpayers that free tax help is available online, by phone and in-person.

Tax Professionals Provide Insights on IRS Future State; Feedback Efforts Continue in 2017 as Online Account Shows Strong Early Use
IR-2016-174, Dec. 21, 2016 — As part of ongoing efforts to receive feedback from the tax community and partner groups, the IRS today said tax professionals attending the Nationwide Tax Forums this year highlighted a number of areas to help the agency shape Future State efforts to improve taxpayer service.

Many ITINs Expire Jan. 1; Renew Now to Avoid Refund Delays, IRS Says 
IR-2016-173, Dec. 21, 2016 — Time is running out for many ITIN holders who need to file a federal income tax return in 2017 and want to avoid a long wait for a refund, according to the IRS.

Tax Preparedness Series: IRS Face-To-Face Help Now By Appointment
IR-2016-172, Dec. 20, 2016 — As the tax filing season approaches, the IRS reminds taxpayers that an appointment is required for in-person tax help at all IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers.

Tax Preparedness Series: Plan Now to Get Full Benefit of Saver’s Credit; Tax Credit Helps Low- and Moderate-Income Workers Save for Retirement
IR-2016-171, Dec. 15, 2016 — As the tax filing season approaches, the IRS reminds low- and moderate-income workers that they can take steps now to save for retirement and earn a special tax credit in 2016 and years ahead.

2017 Standard Mileage Rates for Business, Medical and Moving Announced
IR-2016-169, Dec.13, 2016 — The IRS today issued the 2017 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.

Plan now to Use Health Flexible Spending Arrangements in 2017; Contribute up to $2,600; $500 Carryover Option Available to Many 
IR-2016-168, Dec. 9, 2016 ? The IRS today reminded eligible employees that now is the time to begin planning to take full advantage of their employer’s health flexible spending arrangement during 2017.

2017 Tax Filing Season Begins Jan. 23 for Nation’s Taxpayers, Tax Returns Due April 18
IR-2016-167, Dec. 9, 2016 ? The IRS announced today that the nation’s tax season will begin Monday, Jan. 23, 2017, and reminded taxpayers claiming certain tax credits to expect a longer wait for refunds.