ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — An American Airlines jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronald-reagan-national-airport-aircraft-crash-9d79051a9e535bd855df5a4e5553b2e9">collided with an Army helicopter</a>&nbsp;while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, prompting a large search-and-rescue operation in the nearby Potomac River. There were multiple fatalities, according to a person familiar with the matter, but the precise number of victims was unclear as rescue crews hunted for any survivors.

Three soldiers were onboard the helicopter, an Army official said.

There was no immediate word on the cause of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronald-reagan-national-airport-crash-cebb142d24859ba0c4e0e4fd6c33773f">the Wednesday collision</a>, but all takeoffs and landings from the airport were halted as dive teams scoured the site and helicopters from law enforcement agencies across the region flew over the scene in a methodical search for bodies.

Images from the river showed boats around the partly submerged wing and what appeared to be the mangled wreckage of the plane's fuselage.

“We are going to recover our fellow citizens,” District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a somber news conference at the airport in which she declined to say how many bodies had been recovered.

The person who told The Associated Press that there had been multiple deaths was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas said, “When one person dies it’s a tragedy, but when many, many, many people die it’s an unbearable sorrow.”

President Donald Trump said he had been “fully briefed on this terrible accident" and, referring to the passengers, added, “May God Bless their souls.”

Passengers on the flight included a group of figure skaters, their coaches and family members who were returning from a development camp that followed the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita.

“We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts,” U.S. Figure Skating said in a statement.

Two of those coaches were identified by the Kremlin as Russian figure skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who won the pairs title at the 1994 world championships and competed twice in the Olympics. The Skating Club of Boston lists them as coaches and their son, Maxim Naumov, is a competitive figure skater for the U.S.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the midair crash occurred before 9 p.m. EST when a regional jet that had departed from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a military helicopter on a training flight while on approach to an airport runway. It occurred in some of the most tightly controlled and monitored airspace in the world, just over three miles south of the White House and the Capitol.

Investigators will try to piece together the aircrafts' final moments before their collision, including contact with air traffic controllers as well as a loss of altitude by the passenger jet.

American Airlines Flight 5342 was inbound to Reagan National at an altitude of about 400 feet and a speed of about 140 miles per hour when it suffered a rapid loss of altitude over the Potomac River, according to data from its radio transponder. The Canadian-made Bombardier CRJ-701 twin-engine jet, manufactured in 2004, can be configured to carry up to 70 passengers.

A few minutes before landing, air traffic controllers asked the arriving commercial jet if it could land on the shorter Runway 33 at Reagan National and the pilots said they were able. Controllers then cleared the plane to land on Runway 33. Flight tracking sites showed the plane adjust its approach to the new runway.

Less than 30 seconds before the crash, an air traffic controller asked the helicopter if it had the arriving plane in sight. The controller made another radio call to the helicopter moments later: “PAT 25 pass behind the CRJ.” Seconds after that, the two aircraft collided.

The plane’s radio transponder stopped transmitting about 2,400 feet short of the runway, roughly over the middle of the river.

Video from an observation camera at the nearby Kennedy Center showed two sets of lights consistent with aircraft appearing to join in a fireball.

“I know that flight. I've flown it several times myself,” said Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas. He said he expected that many people in Wichita would know people who were on the flight.

“This is a very personal circumstance,” he said.

The collision occurred on a warm winter evening in Washington, with temperatures registering as high as 60 degrees Fahrenheit, following a stretch days earlier of intense cold and ice. On Wednesday, the Potomac River was 36 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The National Weather Service reported that wind gusts of up to 25 mph were possible in the area throughout the evening.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed “deep sorrow” for the crash and said the company was focused on the needs of passengers, crew, first responders and families and loved ones of those involved.

Some 300 first responders were on scene. Inflatable rescue boats were launched into the Potomac River from a point along the George Washington Parkway, just north of the airport, and first responders set up light towers from the shore to illuminate the area near the collision site. At least a half-dozen boats were scanning the water using searchlights.

“It’s a highly complex operation,” said D.C. fire chief John Donnelly. "The conditions out there are extremely rough for the responders.”

The U.S. Army described the helicopter as a UH-60 Blackhawk based at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. The helicopter was on a training flight. Military aircraft frequently conduct training flights in and around the congested and heavily-restricted airspace around the nation’s capital for familiarization and continuity of government planning.

The crash is serving as a major test for two of the Trump administration’s newest agency leaders. Pete Hegseth, sworn in days ago as defense secretary, posted on social media that an investigation has been “launched immediately” by the Army and the Defense Department. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, just sworn in earlier this week, said at a somber news conference at the airport early Thursday that his agency would provide all possible resources to the investigation.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aircraft-crashes-history-washington-ee55776ea0c5f9e322fc77ea1ea452d1">last major fatal crash</a>&nbsp;involving a U.S. commercial airline occurred in 2009 near Buffalo, New York. Everyone aboard the Bombardier DHC-8 propeller plane was killed, including 45 passengers, 2 pilots and 2 flight attendants. Another person on the ground also died, bringing the total death toll to 50. An investigation determined that the captain accidentally caused the plane to stall as it approached the airport in Buffalo.

Reagan Airport will reopen at 11 a.m. Thursday, the Federal Aviation Administration announced. The FAA has previously said it would be closed until 5 a.m. Friday.

Located along the Potomac River, just southwest of the city. Reagan National is a popular choice because it’s much closer than the larger Dulles International Airport, which is deeper in Virginia.

Depending on the runway being used, flights into Reagan can offer passengers spectacular views of landmarks like the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall and the U.S. Capitol. It’s a postcard-worthy welcome for tourists visiting the city.

The collision recalled the crash of an Air Florida flight that plummeted into the Potomac on January 13, 1982, that killed 78 people. That crash was attributed to bad weather.

An American Airlines jet with 60 passengers and four crew members aboard&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronald-reagan-national-airport-crash-cebb142d24859ba0c4e0e4fd6c33773f">collided Wednesday</a>&nbsp;with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, prompting a large search-and-rescue operation in the nearby Potomac River.

There was no immediate word on casualties or the cause of the collision, but takeoffs and landings from the airport near Washington were halted as helicopters from law enforcement agencies across the region flew over the scene in search of survivors.

Rescuers search in near freezing river water for survivors

Hundreds of rescuers were searching the frigid waters of the Potomac River for any survivors of the plane crash.

Images showed boats around a partly submerged wing and what appeared to be the mangled wreckage of the plane’s fuselage.

Helicopters flew overhead with powerful search lights scanning the murky waters, while emergency vehicles lit up the banks of the Potomac in a long line of blinking red lights.

The water temperature was just above freezing.

Global skating community ‘deeply shocked and heartbroken’

The international governing body for figure skating said the global skating community was “deeply shocked” and heartbroken to learn that figure skaters and those close to them were onboard the flight that collided with a military helicopter.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy. Figure skating is more than a sport — it’s a close-knit family — and we stand together,” the International Skating Union said in a statement.

Group of figure skaters and coaches were on the jet

Passengers on the jet included a group of figure skaters, their coaches and family members who were returning from a development camp held after the national U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, U.S. Figure Skating said in a statement.

The organization confirmed that “several members of the skating community” were on the flight. It did not provide more details.

“We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts,” the organization said. “We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available.”

‘We don’t know yet,' fire chief says of possible survivors

Officials offered few details on the status of the victims as they concluded their early-morning press briefing Thursday.

“I can’t say anything about the rescue operation right now,” said Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, as reporters continue to press for updates on the passengers.

She also declined to comment on the condition of aircraft, which remains submerged in the Potomac River.

Asked if there are any survivors, Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly, responded: “We don’t know yet. But we’re working."

Crews in plane crash response face ‘rough’ conditions

Officials who held a press conference at Reagan National Airport did not announce any deaths, but they all had a somber tone.

Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas said “when one person dies it’s a tragedy, but when many, many, many people die it’s an unbearable sorrow.”

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser would not say whether any bodies were recovered from the crash.

There are currently about 300 responders working on the rescue operation

Washington Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly said at the early Thurday news conference thatconditions are “extremely rough for responders,” with cold weather and intense wind.

The Potomac River is about 8 feet deep where the aircraft crashed after their collision.

“The water is dark. It is murky," Connelly said.

Sen. Jerry Moran says the crash is ‘a very personal circumstance’

Sen. Jerry Moran, a Republican from Kansas, said the plane that crashed was flying a route from Wichita to Washington that began about a year ago.

“I know that flight,” he said. “I’ve flown it several times myself.”

Moran said he expected that many people in Wichita would know people who were on the flight.

Trump says collision ‘looks like it should have been prevented’

In a post on Truth Social, Trump questioned the tactics of the military helicopter and the air traffic controllers — both agencies that report to him as the president.

Writing that the “airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach for an extended period of time” on a “CLEAR NIGHT,” Trump questioned, “why didn’t the helicopter go up or down or turn,” and “why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane.”

“What a terrible night this has been. God Bless you all!” he added in a subsequent post.

AP source: Multiple people killed in midair collision

There were multiple fatalities after the midair collision, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. The person was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

Authorities are still conducting a search-and-rescue operation in an attempt to find survivors in the water and around the crash site.

The U.S. Army said the helicopter that collided with a passenger jet was a UH-60 Blackhawk based at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. A crew of three soldiers were onboard the helicopter, an Army official said. The helicopter was on a training flight.

Military aircraft frequently conduct training flights in and around the congested and heavily-restricted airspace around the nation’s capital for familiarization and continuity of government planning.

‘There was a lot of sadness’ in terminal after passenger jet crash

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz was waiting to catch his flight back to Buffalo, New York, when he saw through the terminal window some emergency vehicles moving out below.

“It didn’t seem anything too strange at that point,” Poloncarz said. “And then about a minute or so after that, there was an announcement of a full-ground stop, that there would be no flights landing and no flights taking off. And then we started to see a lot of emergency vehicles heading towards the river.”

Poloncarz and others soon saw reports on social media of a plane crash, while rumors began to swirl.

“When flights get delayed, people get aggravated and upset. But there was no one getting aggravated or upset because I think we all realized pretty quickly the magnitude of what occurred. The terminal grew pretty quiet. There was a lot of sadness.”

Last fatal U.S. commercial airline crash was in 2009

The last fatal crash involving a U.S. commercial airline occurred in 2009 in New York, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.

Everyone aboard the Bombardier DHC-8 propeller plane was killed, including 45 passengers, 2 pilots and 2 flight attendants. Another person on the ground also died, bringing the total death toll to 50. An investigation determined that the captain accidentally caused the plane to stall as it approached the airport in Buffalo.

Audio shows no response from helicopter after air traffic control warning

Less than 30 seconds before the crash, an air traffic controller asks the helicopter if it has the arriving plane in sight: “PAT25, do you have the CRJ in sight?”

The controller makes another radio call to PAT25 moments later: “PAT 25 pass behind the CRJ.”

The audio from flight tracking sites doesn’t record any response from the helicopter, if any, to the warnings from air traffic control.

The plane’s radio transponder stopped transmitting about 2,400 feet (730 meters) short of the runway, roughly over the middle of the river.

Trump on aircraft accident: ‘May God Bless their souls’

President Donald Trump says he’s been briefed on the ‘terrible accident’ at Reagan National Airport.

In a statement late Wednesday, Trump thanked first responders for their “incredible work,” noting that he was “monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.”

“May God Bless their souls,” he added

Noem says all available Coast Guard resources being deployed

The Latest: Passenger jet from Kan. collides with helicopter while landing in DC

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge on Tuesday temporarily blocked a push from President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;to pause federal funding while his administration conducts an across-the-board ideological review to uproot progressive initiatives.

The order capped the most chaotic day for the U.S. government since Trump returned to office, with uncertainty over a crucial financial lifeline causing panic and confusion among states, schools and organizations that rely on trillions of dollars from Washington.

U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan blocked the funding freeze only minutes before it was scheduled to take effect. The administrative stay, prompted by a lawsuit brought by nonprofit groups that receive federal money, lasts until Monday afternoon. Another court hearing is scheduled that morning to consider the issue.

On the White House web site, the administration published answers to questions on the temporary pause

In implementing President Trump’s Executive Orders, OMB issued guidance requesting that agencies temporarily pause, to the extent permitted by law, grant, loan or federal financial assistance programs that are implicated by the President’s Executive Orders.

Any program not implicated by the President’s Executive Orders is not subject to the&nbsp;pause.

The Executive Orders listed in the guidance are:

Protecting the American People Against Invasion

Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid

Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements

Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing

Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to&nbsp;the Federal Government

Any program that provides direct benefits to individuals is not subject to the pause.

The guidance establishes a process for agencies to work with OMB to determine quickly whether any program is inconsistent with the President’s Executive Orders. A pause could be as short as day. In fact, OMB has worked with agencies and has already approved many programs to continue even before the pause has gone into effect.

Any payment required by law to be paid will be paid without interruption or delay.

Q: Is this a freeze on all Federal financial assistance?

A: No, the pause does not apply across-the-board. It is expressly limited to programs, projects, and activities implicated by the President’s Executive Orders, such as ending DEI, the green new deal, and funding nongovernmental organizations that undermine the national interest.

Q: Is this a freeze on benefits to Americans like SNAP or student loans?

A: No, any program that provides direct benefits to Americans is explicitly excluded from the pause and exempted from this review process. In addition to Social Security and Medicare, already explicitly excluded in the guidance, mandatory programs like Medicaid and SNAP will continue without pause.Funds for small businesses, farmers, Pell grants, Head Start, rental assistance, and other similar programs will not be paused. If agencies are concerned that these programs may implicate the President’s Executive Orders, they should consult OMB to begin to unwind these objectionable policies without a pause in the payments.

Q: Is the pause of federal financial assistance an impoundment?

A:&nbsp;No, it is not an impoundment under the Impoundment Control Act. It is a temporary pause to give agencies time to ensure that financial assistance conforms to the policies set out in the President’s Executive Orders, to the extent permitted by law. Temporary pauses are a necessary part of program implementation that have been ordered by past presidents to ensure that programs are being executed and funds spent in accordance with a new President’s policies and do not constitute impoundments.

A:&nbsp;To act as faithful stewards of taxpayer money, new administrations must review federal programs to ensure that they are being executed in accordance with the law and the new President’s policies.

The White House did not immediately comment on the order, which leaves unresolved a potential constitutional clash over control of taxpayer money. Democrats who have struggled to gain a foothold during Trump's second term unleashed on the Republican president, describing his actions as capricious and illegal.

Administration officials said the decision to halt loans and grants was necessary to ensure that spending complies with Trump’s recent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-has-trump-done-trump-executive-orders-f061fbe7f08c08d81509a6af20ef8fc0">blitz of executive orders.</a>&nbsp;The Republican president wants to increase&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-executive-orders-climate-change-environmental-policy-e4fb2b2495c0bcf880fab46605936b09">fossil fuel production</a>, remove protections for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-sex-gender-transgender-dei-order-245350b97e0c4dcc221fefc49ef44699">transgender people</a>&nbsp;and end&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-dei-executive-order-diversity-inclusion-f67ea86032986084dd71c5aa0c6b8d1d">diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.</a>

But a vaguely worded memo issued by the Office of Management and Budget, combined with incomplete answers from the White House throughout the day, left lawmakers, public officials and average Americans struggling to figure out what programs would be affected by the pause. Even temporary interruptions in funding could cause layoffs or delays in public services.

“This sort of came out of the blue,” said David Smith, a spokesperson for the Shawnee Mission School District in Kansas, one of countless districts that receive federal funding. Now they're trying to figure out what it means “based on zero information."

Democrats argued that the president had no right to unilaterally stop spending money appropriated by Congress. Just minutes after AliKhan made her ruling, Democratic attorneys general from 22 states and the District of Columbia filed their own lawsuit seeking to block and permanently prevent the administration from cutting off federal funding.

“There is no question this policy is reckless, dangerous, illegal and unconstitutional,” New York Attorney General Letitia James said.

AliKhan, who was appointed by President Joe Biden, questioned how much the details of the funding freeze had been nailed down as she issued her order.

“It seems like the federal government currently doesn’t actually know the full extent of the programs that are going to be subject to the pause," she said.

Jessica Morton, an attorney for the National Council of Nonprofits, which brought the suit, said the group has tens of thousands of members around the country who could be affected.

“Our client members have reported being extremely concerned about having to shutter if there’s even a brief pause,” Morton said.

Justice Department attorney Daniel Schwei argued that the freeze shouldn’t be put on hold because the plaintiffs hadn’t specified anyone who would immediately lose funding if it does go into effect.

Trump administration officials said programs that provide direct assistance to Americans would not be affected, such as Medicare, Social Security, student loans and food stamps. But they sometimes struggled to provide a clear picture.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt initially would not say whether Medicaid was exempted from the freeze, but the administration later clarified that it was.

Although Trump had promised to turn Washington upside down if elected to a second term, the effects of his effort to pause funding were being felt far from the nation’s capital. Organizations like Meals on Wheels, which receives federal money to deliver food to the elderly, were worried about getting cut off.

“The lack of clarity and uncertainty right now is creating chaos,” spokeswoman Jenny Young said. She added that “seniors may panic not knowing where their next meals will come from.”

The National Science Foundation postponed this week’s panels for reviewing grant applications. Officials in Prichard, Alabama, feared they wouldn’t receive infrastructure funding to fix their leaking drinking water system. Republican leaders in Louisiana said they were “seeking clarity” to ensure nothing was “jeopardizing financial stability of the state.”

“Trump’s actions would wreak havoc in red and blue communities everywhere,” said Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee. “We are talking about our small towns, our cities, our school districts.”

The full scope of the administration’s review was spelled out in a 51-page spreadsheet sent to federal agencies and viewed by The Associated Press. Each line was a different government initiative, from pool safety to tribal workforce development to special education.

Officials were directed to answer a series of yes or no questions for every item on the list, including “does this program promote gender ideology?” or “does this program promote or support in any way abortion?” Responses are due by Feb. 7.

Trillions of dollars are potentially under review. Grants that have been awarded but not spent are also supposed to be halted if they might violate one of Trump’s executive orders.

“The use of Federal resources to advance Marxist equity, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies is a waste of taxpayer dollars that does not improve the day-to-day lives of those we serve,” wrote Matthew Vaeth, the acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, in a memo distributed Monday.

Vaeth wrote that “each agency must complete a comprehensive analysis of all of their Federal financial assistance programs to identify programs, projects, and activities that may be implicated by any of the President’s executive orders.” He also wrote that the pause should be implemented “to the extent permissible under applicable law.”

The pause on grants and loans was scheduled to take effect at 5 p.m. EST, just one day after agencies were informed of the decision.

Leavitt, who held&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-leavitt-white-house-first-press-briefing-5ba5ff116e18c29b04c934a24a8983d1">her first White House briefing</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, said the administration was trying to be “good stewards” of public money by making sure that there was “no more funding for transgenderism and wokeness.”

She denied that Trump was deliberately challenging Congress to establish his dominance over the federal budget.

“He’s just trying to ensure that the tax money going out the door in this very bankrupt city actually aligns with the will and the priorities of the American people,” she said.

The attempt to implement a funding pause is the latest example of how Trump is harnessing his power over the federal system to advance his conservative goals. Unlike during his first term, when Trump and many members of his inner circle were unfamiliar with Washington, this time he’s reaching deep into the bureaucracy.

For example, federal employees are being asked to report their colleagues if they try to continue&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-executive-orders-dei-7ef0bf4ce1d465f6b61f3fcfde544593">diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.</a>

“They are pushing the president’s agenda from the bottom up,” said Paul Light, an expert on the federal government and professor emeritus of public service at New York University.

He also said there are risks in Trump’s approach, especially with so many voters reliant on Washington.

“You can’t just hassle, hassle, hassle,” Light said. “You’ve got to deliver.”

Fears about interruption in government services were exacerbated as states reported problems with the Medicaid funding portal, where officials request reimbursement for providing healthcare to poor residents.

Democrats condemned the Trump administration, connecting the issue to the funding pause.

But Leavitt said the portal would be back online soon.

“We have confirmed no payments have been affected — they are still being processed and sent," she posted on social media. The White House did not provide an explanation for the problem.

Associated Press writers JoNel Aleccia, Moriah Balingit, Collin Binkley, Matthew Daly, Lisa Mascaro, Adithi Ramakrishnan, Amanda Seitz, Michael Sisak and Tammy Weber contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738031108770.png" alt="President Donald answers questions from the press on the flight home from Doral, FL to Washington Monday night-photo by Margo Martin, Assistant to the President" />
 <figcaption>President Donald answers questions from the press on the flight home from Doral, FL to Washington Monday night-photo by Margo Martin, Assistant to the President</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge on Tuesday temporarily blocked a push from President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;to pause federal funding while his administration conducts an across-the-board ideological review to uproot progressive initiatives.The order capped the most chaotic day for the U.S. government since Trump returned to office, with uncertainty over a crucial financial lifeline causing panic and confusion among states, schools and organizations that rely on trillions of dollars from Washington.U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan blocked the funding freeze only minutes before it was scheduled to take effect. The administrative stay, prompted by a lawsuit brought by nonprofit groups that receive federal money, lasts until Monday afternoon. Another court hearing is scheduled that morning to consider the issue.On the White House web site, the administration published answers to questions on the temporary pauseIn implementing President Trump’s Executive Orders, OMB issued guidance requesting that agencies temporarily pause, to the extent permitted by law, grant, loan or federal financial assistance programs that are implicated by the President’s Executive Orders.Any program not implicated by the President’s Executive Orders is not subject to the&nbsp;pause.The Executive Orders listed in the guidance are:Protecting the American People Against InvasionReevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign AidPutting America First in International Environmental AgreementsUnleashing American EnergyEnding Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and PreferencingDefending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to&nbsp;the Federal GovernmentEnforcing the Hyde AmendmentAny program that provides direct benefits to individuals is not subject to the pause.The guidance establishes a process for agencies to work with OMB to determine quickly whether any program is inconsistent with the President’s Executive Orders. A pause could be as short as day. In fact, OMB has worked with agencies and has already approved many programs to continue even before the pause has gone into effect.Any payment required by law to be paid will be paid without interruption or delay.Q: Is this a freeze on all Federal financial assistance?A: No, the pause does not apply across-the-board. It is expressly limited to programs, projects, and activities implicated by the President’s Executive Orders, such as ending DEI, the green new deal, and funding nongovernmental organizations that undermine the national interest.Q: Is this a freeze on benefits to Americans like SNAP or student loans?A: No, any program that provides direct benefits to Americans is explicitly excluded from the pause and exempted from this review process. In addition to Social Security and Medicare, already explicitly excluded in the guidance, mandatory programs like Medicaid and SNAP will continue without pause.Funds for small businesses, farmers, Pell grants, Head Start, rental assistance, and other similar programs will not be paused. If agencies are concerned that these programs may implicate the President’s Executive Orders, they should consult OMB to begin to unwind these objectionable policies without a pause in the payments.Q: Is the pause of federal financial assistance an impoundment?A:&nbsp;No, it is not an impoundment under the Impoundment Control Act. It is a temporary pause to give agencies time to ensure that financial assistance conforms to the policies set out in the President’s Executive Orders, to the extent permitted by law. Temporary pauses are a necessary part of program implementation that have been ordered by past presidents to ensure that programs are being executed and funds spent in accordance with a new President’s policies and do not constitute impoundments.Q: Why was this pause necessary?A:&nbsp;To act as faithful stewards of taxpayer money, new administrations must review federal programs to ensure that they are being executed in accordance with the law and the new President’s policies.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738073386129.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan blocked the funding freeze only minutes before it was scheduled to take effect. The administrative stay, prompted by a lawsuit brought by nonprofit groups that receive federal money, lasts until Monday afternoon. Another court hearing is scheduled that morning to consider the issue.The White House did not immediately comment on the order, which leaves unresolved a potential constitutional clash over control of taxpayer money. Democrats who have struggled to gain a foothold during Trump's second term unleashed on the Republican president, describing his actions as capricious and illegal.Administration officials said the decision to halt loans and grants was necessary to ensure that spending complies with Trump’s recent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-has-trump-done-trump-executive-orders-f061fbe7f08c08d81509a6af20ef8fc0">blitz of executive orders.</a>&nbsp;The Republican president wants to increase&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-executive-orders-climate-change-environmental-policy-e4fb2b2495c0bcf880fab46605936b09">fossil fuel production</a>, remove protections for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-sex-gender-transgender-dei-order-245350b97e0c4dcc221fefc49ef44699">transgender people</a>&nbsp;and end&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-dei-executive-order-diversity-inclusion-f67ea86032986084dd71c5aa0c6b8d1d">diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.</a>But a vaguely worded memo issued by the Office of Management and Budget, combined with incomplete answers from the White House throughout the day, left lawmakers, public officials and average Americans struggling to figure out what programs would be affected by the pause. Even temporary interruptions in funding could cause layoffs or delays in public services.“This sort of came out of the blue,” said David Smith, a spokesperson for the Shawnee Mission School District in Kansas, one of countless districts that receive federal funding. Now they're trying to figure out what it means “based on zero information."Democrats argued that the president had no right to unilaterally stop spending money appropriated by Congress. Just minutes after AliKhan made her ruling, Democratic attorneys general from 22 states and the District of Columbia filed their own lawsuit seeking to block and permanently prevent the administration from cutting off federal funding.“There is no question this policy is reckless, dangerous, illegal and unconstitutional,” New York Attorney General Letitia James said.AliKhan, who was appointed by President Joe Biden, questioned how much the details of the funding freeze had been nailed down as she issued her order.“It seems like the federal government currently doesn’t actually know the full extent of the programs that are going to be subject to the pause," she said.Jessica Morton, an attorney for the National Council of Nonprofits, which brought the suit, said the group has tens of thousands of members around the country who could be affected.“Our client members have reported being extremely concerned about having to shutter if there’s even a brief pause,” Morton said.Justice Department attorney Daniel Schwei argued that the freeze shouldn’t be put on hold because the plaintiffs hadn’t specified anyone who would immediately lose funding if it does go into effect.Trump administration officials said programs that provide direct assistance to Americans would not be affected, such as Medicare, Social Security, student loans and food stamps. But they sometimes struggled to provide a clear picture.White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt initially would not say whether Medicaid was exempted from the freeze, but the administration later clarified that it was.Although Trump had promised to turn Washington upside down if elected to a second term, the effects of his effort to pause funding were being felt far from the nation’s capital. Organizations like Meals on Wheels, which receives federal money to deliver food to the elderly, were worried about getting cut off.“The lack of clarity and uncertainty right now is creating chaos,” spokeswoman Jenny Young said. She added that “seniors may panic not knowing where their next meals will come from.”The National Science Foundation postponed this week’s panels for reviewing grant applications. Officials in Prichard, Alabama, feared they wouldn’t receive infrastructure funding to fix their leaking drinking water system. Republican leaders in Louisiana said they were “seeking clarity” to ensure nothing was “jeopardizing financial stability of the state.”“Trump’s actions would wreak havoc in red and blue communities everywhere,” said Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee. “We are talking about our small towns, our cities, our school districts.”The full scope of the administration’s review was spelled out in a 51-page spreadsheet sent to federal agencies and viewed by The Associated Press. Each line was a different government initiative, from pool safety to tribal workforce development to special education.Officials were directed to answer a series of yes or no questions for every item on the list, including “does this program promote gender ideology?” or “does this program promote or support in any way abortion?” Responses are due by Feb. 7.Trillions of dollars are potentially under review. Grants that have been awarded but not spent are also supposed to be halted if they might violate one of Trump’s executive orders.“The use of Federal resources to advance Marxist equity, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies is a waste of taxpayer dollars that does not improve the day-to-day lives of those we serve,” wrote Matthew Vaeth, the acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, in a memo distributed Monday.Vaeth wrote that “each agency must complete a comprehensive analysis of all of their Federal financial assistance programs to identify programs, projects, and activities that may be implicated by any of the President’s executive orders.” He also wrote that the pause should be implemented “to the extent permissible under applicable law.”The pause on grants and loans was scheduled to take effect at 5 p.m. EST, just one day after agencies were informed of the decision.Leavitt, who held&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-leavitt-white-house-first-press-briefing-5ba5ff116e18c29b04c934a24a8983d1">her first White House briefing</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, said the administration was trying to be “good stewards” of public money by making sure that there was “no more funding for transgenderism and wokeness.”She denied that Trump was deliberately challenging Congress to establish his dominance over the federal budget.“He’s just trying to ensure that the tax money going out the door in this very bankrupt city actually aligns with the will and the priorities of the American people,” she said.The attempt to implement a funding pause is the latest example of how Trump is harnessing his power over the federal system to advance his conservative goals. Unlike during his first term, when Trump and many members of his inner circle were unfamiliar with Washington, this time he’s reaching deep into the bureaucracy.For example, federal employees are being asked to report their colleagues if they try to continue&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-executive-orders-dei-7ef0bf4ce1d465f6b61f3fcfde544593">diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.</a>“They are pushing the president’s agenda from the bottom up,” said Paul Light, an expert on the federal government and professor emeritus of public service at New York University.He also said there are risks in Trump’s approach, especially with so many voters reliant on Washington.“You can’t just hassle, hassle, hassle,” Light said. “You’ve got to deliver.”Fears about interruption in government services were exacerbated as states reported problems with the Medicaid funding portal, where officials request reimbursement for providing healthcare to poor residents.Democrats condemned the Trump administration, connecting the issue to the funding pause.But Leavitt said the portal would be back online soon.“We have confirmed no payments have been affected — they are still being processed and sent," she posted on social media. The White House did not provide an explanation for the problem.____Associated Press writers JoNel Aleccia, Moriah Balingit, Collin Binkley, Matthew Daly, Lisa Mascaro, Adithi Ramakrishnan, Amanda Seitz, Michael Sisak and Tammy Weber contributed to this report.

White House answers questions on federal funding pause

WASHINGTON —&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service opened the 2025 tax filing season Jan. 25 and is accepting and processing federal individual tax year 2024 returns.

During the first day of early morning opening, IRS systems&nbsp; received millions of tax returns from across the nation for processing.

The IRS expects more than 140 million individual tax returns for tax year 2024 to be filed ahead of the Tuesday, April 15 federal deadline. More than half of all tax returns are expected to be filed this year with the help of a tax professional, and the IRS urges people to use a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fnewsroom%2Firs-take-care-when-choosing-a-tax-return-professional/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/tgZH0AnmtdKBCBqhdCxbRRMH2akJEb8PZCnc3aqf4is=389">trusted tax pro</a>&nbsp;to avoid potential scams and schemes.

Taxpayers residing in&nbsp;a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fnewsroom%2Ftax-relief-in-disaster-situations/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/9SE6b4RAMBFRTeDukuECW9kx680SCq5JYCgezZo6XKg=389">federally declared disaster area</a>&nbsp;may have additional time to file and pay federal taxes.

Get free help preparing and filing taxes electronically

Taxpayers can visit IRS.gov to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fhelp%2Ftax-law-questions/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/tuaTwGYvGVowyuRwcI3AoraNqjOTBWPHrKXMRtU1kXw=389">get answers&nbsp;to tax questions</a>. IRS.gov is the quickest way for taxpayers to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fhelp%2Flet-us-help-you/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/sAzOoYrr26lFyfISwheZvVrScqb-oPmvGpiR5kXCnVM=389">get help</a>. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fhelp%2Fita/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/KrETGBjIU8rTsRv1FoHWvklc5MS_LuVaYiVhDe8pBgQ=389">Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA)</a>&nbsp;is a tool that provides answers to several tax law questions specific to individual circumstances. Based on input, it can determine a taxpayer’s filing status, if a person should file a tax return, if someone can be claimed as a dependent, if a type of income is taxable, if a filer is eligible to claim a credit or if an expense can be deducted.

The IRS encourages people to file their tax returns&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling%2Findividuals%2Fhow-to-file/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/JhrpMGZPypNlkriITfOWgX3AW22qTnnSmf5OM3wCM4I=389">electronically</a>&nbsp;and choose&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Frefunds%2Fget-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/RcE-L66E9cLL5vdt-wOyIHZ8JSmf-SzVkgMKA6_5yn4=389">direct deposit</a>&nbsp;for more secure and faster refunds.&nbsp;According to Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service, paper refund checks are 16 times more likely to have an issue, like the check being lost, misdirected, stolen or uncashed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Filing electronically reduces tax return errors as the tax software does the calculations, flags common errors and prompts taxpayers for missing information.

The IRS offers&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffile-your-taxes-for-free/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/8hgdmidZTWjvm82Eos5ZVtRZOoLGcVj7gRU15skvc0Q=389">free online</a>&nbsp;and in-person tax preparation options for eligible taxpayers through&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling%2Firs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/H5BtIbPp0WzEVwJsGAxhbPpsCBFSNStS_DqDskkSNV0=389">IRS Free File</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling%2Firs-direct-file-for-free/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/Kkl5vOycURCBWRGDwIahK90sa0nuUktkNsQRqKKMdpQ=389">IRS Direct File</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Findividuals%2Ffree-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/EE4FGZP_78LYuV2yvwHsSfNhkcMCnbt1OzmKdDtz49E=389">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly</a>&nbsp;programs.

IRS Free File Taxpayers with income of $84,000 or less last year can use&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling%2Firs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free/2/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/S84IB318tuGhl4E75zem4PITXZoKTFGQVvxjoYZ3ENo=389">IRS Free File</a>&nbsp;Guided Tax Software now through Oct. 15. IRS Free File Fillable forms, a part of this program, is available at no cost to any income level and provides electronic forms that people fill out and e-file themselves, also at no cost.

Direct File Now open in 25 participating states, taxpayers can use Direct File to file online directly with the IRS for free. It is a free web-based service – available in English and Spanish –&nbsp;that works on mobile phones, laptops, tablets or desktop computers. It guides taxpayers through a series of questions to prepare their federal tax return step-by-step. Direct File automatically guides taxpayers to state tools to complete their state taxes. Get help from IRS customer service representatives through a live chat feature in English and Spanish. Interested taxpayers can go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fdirectfile.irs.gov%2F/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/PC4VKoRNOwiaOx_m4m0-e-D3_IF6_qtpaabmzKgJ048=389">directfile.irs.gov</a>, where they can determine if they are eligible.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) The VITA program offers free tax help to people who generally make $67,000 or less, persons with disabilities and taxpayers whose preferred language is not English. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.

In addition to VITA, the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly those who are 60 and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.

MilTax This is a Department of Defense program available to members of the military and some veterans with no income limit.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.militaryonesource.mil%2Ffinancial-legal%2Ftax-resource-center%2Fmiltax-military-tax-services/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/HhKn_u4eshyjpqvf1RsZrVOlT5OnBIyPPQxFKsmKauA=389">MilTax</a>&nbsp;generally offers free return preparation and electronic filing software for federal income tax returns and up to three state income tax returns.

Most refunds issued in less than 21 days: EITC refunds for many available by March 3

The easiest way to check a refund's status is by using&nbsp;“<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fwheres-my-refund/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/1kzZCIaUvZK0tb8eIeM5uTjzOIwYgojSbn_JHYZoLjI=389">Where's My Refund?</a>”&nbsp;on IRS.gov or the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fhelp%2Firs2goapp/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/ThZCaBl2ANWpFmoV43GqSIOeijWoceXHjfY59tExajY=389">IRS2Go</a>&nbsp;app.

Many factors can affect refund timing after the IRS receives a tax return. Although the IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days, the IRS cautions taxpayers not to rely on receiving a refund by a certain date, especially when making major purchases or paying bills. Some returns may require additional review and may take longer.

Under the federal Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, the IRS cannot issue Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) refunds before mid-February.&nbsp;“<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fwheres-my-refund/2/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/jvhWTztRNja9WvSaeXu2x49qRu7cVKndpXo07gkDt6I=389">Where's My Refund?</a>”&nbsp;should show an updated status by February 22&nbsp;for most early EITC/ACTC filers. The IRS expects most EITC/ACTC related refunds to be available in taxpayer bank accounts or on debit cards by&nbsp;March 3 if they chose direct deposit and there are no other issues with their tax return.

Report taxable income; don’t file before receiving key documents

People should report all taxable income on their tax return and wait to file until they receive all of their income and informational documents. Taxpayers may receive various income and information statements such as Forms 1099 from banks or other payers,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ftaxtopics%2Ftc418/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/nE7VNFUV7LpMJBwuV0n8TDB9E0St96XoWxSUGn3Vhmc=389">unemployment compensation</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ftaxtopics%2Ftc404/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/1r_mMVLLow26N0g-fDc0ECSrymUmlmcXxIjKxXrUh_k=389">dividends</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ftaxtopics%2Ftc410/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/qskCkZ5-_34NyFfVVJap-xKOO0QDFWwkQS5POc1FTxY=389">pensions, annuities or retirement plan</a>&nbsp;distributions. Taxpayers receiving&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fbusinesses%2Funderstanding-your-form-1099-k/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/_ULnVioTziHn-9ystCLM5gEo_YKqeBlisqocEqqffa0=389">Forms 1099-K</a>,&nbsp;for payments on sale of goods and services through an online marketplace or payment app, can visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fbusinesses%2Fwhat-to-do-with-form-1099-k/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/zo2EVPiKN3Df1oAfmXjWlryDLdOtI77k_b_XwlnoRyU=389">What to do with Form 1099-K</a>&nbsp;to help them figure and report the correct amount of income on their tax return.

More than half of taxpayers turn to a tax professional for help filing a tax return. While most tax preparers deliver exceptional and professional service, selecting the wrong preparer can lead to financial harm.

Taxpayers should review the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ftaxtopics%2Ftc254/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/cEtNVll4e9qrcCOcPkS0-BVq4uWICYsDdV_sSVnMzl8=389">tips for choosing a tax preparer</a>&nbsp;and learn how to avoid unethical&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fnewsroom%2Fdirty-dozen-irs-urges-taxpayers-to-not-fall-prey-to-untrustworthy-tax-preparers-ghost-preparers-can-disappear-with-taxpayer-cash-information/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/NC9vXAomPT5q2EnMOlh_aq0YM0Db_iVcW1RWdZddFs8=389">“ghost” return</a>&nbsp;preparers who don’t&nbsp;sign or include a valid&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ftax-professionals%2Fptin-requirements-for-tax-return-preparers/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/78rV2nzLxLHuweQq-WSPHfrjpKIVq-D36DA9CGIkZWo=389">preparer tax identification number (PTIN)</a>&nbsp;on every tax return they prepare.&nbsp;Taxpayers can also use the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Firs.treasury.gov%2Frpo%2Frpo.jsf/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/_QcCUXLp79wtcqkFOJr0YiaxqCCbKMprZnbxI1LnU_I=389">IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications</a>&nbsp;to find trusted professionals.

The IRS also reminds taxpayers that choosing someone affiliated with a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ftax-professionals%2Firs-tax-pro-association-partners/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/bCdlSn653g3fozfgZY0vHollbfwdWqJRXqg6qDXE66o=389">recognized national tax association</a>&nbsp;is always a good option. Tax professionals accepted into the IRS electronic filing program are&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fe-file-providers%2Fauthorized-irs-e-file-provider-locator-service-for-tax-professionals/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/G7t0qrQKhnv_EQoHc5HDJXSg6yIYsZSlbJIiyWk4kUg=389">authorized IRS e-file providers</a>, qualified to prepare, transmit and process electronically filed tax returns.

Be aware of scammers, who can become more active during tax season. They will attempt to mislead people about tax refunds, credits and payments. They pressure people for personal, financial, employment information or money.

• A big payday. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Bad tax advice on social media may convince people to lie on tax forms or mislead them about credits they can claim. • Demands or threats. Impersonators want people to pay “now or else.” They threaten arrest or deportation. They don’t let people question or appeal the amount of tax they owe. • Odd or misspelled website links. Odd or misspelled web links can take people to harmful sites instead of IRS.gov.

Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses stolen personal information, including Social Security numbers, to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund. If a person suspects they are a victim of identity theft, they should continue to pay their taxes and file their tax return, even if they must file a paper return. Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fidentity-theft-central/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/CJRN0lZ6OMrsveAF0wNX0LTOUMLDq_BWKiuSBBM4XX0=389">Identity Theft Central</a>&nbsp;to find out more.

Thousands of people have lost millions of dollars and their personal information to tax scams. Scammers use the regular mail, telephone and email to set up individuals, businesses, payroll and tax professionals.&nbsp;Check out the latest&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fhelp%2Ftax-scams%2Frecognize-tax-scams-and-fraud/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/R1SCsO1JvfyODanrWG1rG_OVxSzENO7v9wiORnyPv-o=389">consumer alerts</a>&nbsp;and read more about the most recent tax related scams identified by the IRS.

The IRS also provides taxpayers help in-person at Taxpayer Assistance Centers nationwide.

Some improvements taxpayers will see during the 2025 filing season are:

&nbsp;The IRS continues to add more functionality to this important tool. Individuals can create or access their IRS Online Account at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fpayments%2Fonline-account-for-individuals/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/iV1C0KSMxGtKSef7u-2usmL1-H5nc0rkkiZ0OC3MFW8=389">Online account for individuals</a>. With an IRS Online Account, people can:

• View key details from their most recent tax return, such as adjusted gross income. •&nbsp;Request an Identity Protection PIN.. Get account transcripts, to include wage and income records. •&nbsp;Sign tax forms like powers of attorney or tax information authorizations. • View and edit language preferences and alternative media. • Receive and view over 200 IRS electronic notices. •&nbsp;View, make and cancel payments. • Set up or change payment plans and check their balance.

To help protect taxpayers against emerging threats, there’s a new banner on the Online Account homepage that alerts taxpayers of potential scams and schemes, along with a link to their Digital Notices and Letters page to view correspondence sent to them from the IRS. The feature helps to educate taxpayers on common scams and fraudulent efforts to steal taxpayer information and provide taxpayers with more ability to validate the legitimacy of IRS communications.

The IRS successfully redesigned 284 notices in 2024, exceeding the agency’s 200 notice goal. It is important to note that 200 notices were redesigned and deployed in 2024 and an additional 84 redesigned notices are in line to be deployed in 2025. All notices will be added to Individual Online Account so taxpayers receiving a specific letter can see it.

Mobile-adaptive tax forms Taxpayers can now access 67 forms on cell phones and tablets. The most recent forms feature “save and draft” capabilities, which allow the taxpayer to start a form, save it and return to it later. The addition of save and draft allows for future capabilities, including the ability for multiple spouses to sign a form.

Virtual assistants to help with refunds and other questions

Whether a taxpayer uses an online tool or calls the IRS, they will experience upgraded help features. During filing season 2025, the IRS will offer voicebot services to all taxpayers calling the IRS for refund information. The voicebot is available in English and Spanish and has helped thousands of callers without the need to wait for the next available representative. Taxpayers will have to authenticate their identity to gain access to their refund information by providing select information from their tax return.

Last year the IRS began using online chatbots for various functions. These chatbots use either guided help through choice buttons or an open text box for a customized question. The chatbots use natural language processing and understanding to interpret the input from the taxpayer to provide an appropriate response. To launch the chatbot, the taxpayer simply clicks on the “Chat” button in the lower right corner of the webpage. Currently taxpayers can use chatbots from eight webpages.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738089446363.png" alt="Image by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON —&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service opened the 2025 tax filing season Jan. 25 and is accepting and processing federal individual tax year 2024 returns.During the first day of early morning opening, IRS systems&nbsp; received millions of tax returns from across the nation for processing.The IRS expects more than 140 million individual tax returns for tax year 2024 to be filed ahead of the Tuesday, April 15 federal deadline. More than half of all tax returns are expected to be filed this year with the help of a tax professional, and the IRS urges people to use a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fnewsroom%2Firs-take-care-when-choosing-a-tax-return-professional/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/tgZH0AnmtdKBCBqhdCxbRRMH2akJEb8PZCnc3aqf4is=389">trusted tax pro</a>&nbsp;to avoid potential scams and schemes.Taxpayers residing in&nbsp;a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fnewsroom%2Ftax-relief-in-disaster-situations/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/9SE6b4RAMBFRTeDukuECW9kx680SCq5JYCgezZo6XKg=389">federally declared disaster area</a>&nbsp;may have additional time to file and pay federal taxes.<h2>Get free help preparing and filing taxes electronically</h2>Taxpayers can visit IRS.gov to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fhelp%2Ftax-law-questions/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/tuaTwGYvGVowyuRwcI3AoraNqjOTBWPHrKXMRtU1kXw=389">get answers&nbsp;to tax questions</a>. IRS.gov is the quickest way for taxpayers to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fhelp%2Flet-us-help-you/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/sAzOoYrr26lFyfISwheZvVrScqb-oPmvGpiR5kXCnVM=389">get help</a>. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fhelp%2Fita/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/KrETGBjIU8rTsRv1FoHWvklc5MS_LuVaYiVhDe8pBgQ=389">Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA)</a>&nbsp;is a tool that provides answers to several tax law questions specific to individual circumstances. Based on input, it can determine a taxpayer’s filing status, if a person should file a tax return, if someone can be claimed as a dependent, if a type of income is taxable, if a filer is eligible to claim a credit or if an expense can be deducted.The IRS encourages people to file their tax returns&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling%2Findividuals%2Fhow-to-file/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/JhrpMGZPypNlkriITfOWgX3AW22qTnnSmf5OM3wCM4I=389">electronically</a>&nbsp;and choose&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Frefunds%2Fget-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/RcE-L66E9cLL5vdt-wOyIHZ8JSmf-SzVkgMKA6_5yn4=389">direct deposit</a>&nbsp;for more secure and faster refunds.&nbsp;According to Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service, paper refund checks are 16 times more likely to have an issue, like the check being lost, misdirected, stolen or uncashed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Filing electronically reduces tax return errors as the tax software does the calculations, flags common errors and prompts taxpayers for missing information.<h2>Free tax filing options</h2>The IRS offers&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffile-your-taxes-for-free/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/8hgdmidZTWjvm82Eos5ZVtRZOoLGcVj7gRU15skvc0Q=389">free online</a>&nbsp;and in-person tax preparation options for eligible taxpayers through&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling%2Firs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/H5BtIbPp0WzEVwJsGAxhbPpsCBFSNStS_DqDskkSNV0=389">IRS Free File</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling%2Firs-direct-file-for-free/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/Kkl5vOycURCBWRGDwIahK90sa0nuUktkNsQRqKKMdpQ=389">IRS Direct File</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Findividuals%2Ffree-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/EE4FGZP_78LYuV2yvwHsSfNhkcMCnbt1OzmKdDtz49E=389">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly</a>&nbsp;programs.IRS Free File Taxpayers with income of $84,000 or less last year can use&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling%2Firs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free/2/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/S84IB318tuGhl4E75zem4PITXZoKTFGQVvxjoYZ3ENo=389">IRS Free File</a>&nbsp;Guided Tax Software now through Oct. 15. IRS Free File Fillable forms, a part of this program, is available at no cost to any income level and provides electronic forms that people fill out and e-file themselves, also at no cost.Direct File Now open in 25 participating states, taxpayers can use Direct File to file online directly with the IRS for free. It is a free web-based service – available in English and Spanish –&nbsp;that works on mobile phones, laptops, tablets or desktop computers. It guides taxpayers through a series of questions to prepare their federal tax return step-by-step. Direct File automatically guides taxpayers to state tools to complete their state taxes. Get help from IRS customer service representatives through a live chat feature in English and Spanish. Interested taxpayers can go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fdirectfile.irs.gov%2F/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/PC4VKoRNOwiaOx_m4m0-e-D3_IF6_qtpaabmzKgJ048=389">directfile.irs.gov</a>, where they can determine if they are eligible.Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) The VITA program offers free tax help to people who generally make $67,000 or less, persons with disabilities and taxpayers whose preferred language is not English. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.In addition to VITA, the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly those who are 60 and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.MilTax This is a Department of Defense program available to members of the military and some veterans with no income limit.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.militaryonesource.mil%2Ffinancial-legal%2Ftax-resource-center%2Fmiltax-military-tax-services/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/HhKn_u4eshyjpqvf1RsZrVOlT5OnBIyPPQxFKsmKauA=389">MilTax</a>&nbsp;generally offers free return preparation and electronic filing software for federal income tax returns and up to three state income tax returns.<h2>Most refunds issued in less than 21 days: EITC refunds for many available by March 3</h2>The easiest way to check a refund's status is by using&nbsp;“<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fwheres-my-refund/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/1kzZCIaUvZK0tb8eIeM5uTjzOIwYgojSbn_JHYZoLjI=389">Where's My Refund?</a>”&nbsp;on IRS.gov or the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fhelp%2Firs2goapp/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/ThZCaBl2ANWpFmoV43GqSIOeijWoceXHjfY59tExajY=389">IRS2Go</a>&nbsp;app.Many factors can affect refund timing after the IRS receives a tax return. Although the IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days, the IRS cautions taxpayers not to rely on receiving a refund by a certain date, especially when making major purchases or paying bills. Some returns may require additional review and may take longer.Under the federal Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, the IRS cannot issue Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) refunds before mid-February.&nbsp;“<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fwheres-my-refund/2/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/jvhWTztRNja9WvSaeXu2x49qRu7cVKndpXo07gkDt6I=389">Where's My Refund?</a>”&nbsp;should show an updated status by February 22&nbsp;for most early EITC/ACTC filers. The IRS expects most EITC/ACTC related refunds to be available in taxpayer bank accounts or on debit cards by&nbsp;March 3 if they chose direct deposit and there are no other issues with their tax return.<h2>Report taxable income; don’t file before receiving key documents</h2>People should report all taxable income on their tax return and wait to file until they receive all of their income and informational documents. Taxpayers may receive various income and information statements such as Forms 1099 from banks or other payers,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ftaxtopics%2Ftc418/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/nE7VNFUV7LpMJBwuV0n8TDB9E0St96XoWxSUGn3Vhmc=389">unemployment compensation</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ftaxtopics%2Ftc404/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/1r_mMVLLow26N0g-fDc0ECSrymUmlmcXxIjKxXrUh_k=389">dividends</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ftaxtopics%2Ftc410/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/qskCkZ5-_34NyFfVVJap-xKOO0QDFWwkQS5POc1FTxY=389">pensions, annuities or retirement plan</a>&nbsp;distributions. Taxpayers receiving&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fbusinesses%2Funderstanding-your-form-1099-k/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/_ULnVioTziHn-9ystCLM5gEo_YKqeBlisqocEqqffa0=389">Forms 1099-K</a>,&nbsp;for payments on sale of goods and services through an online marketplace or payment app, can visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fbusinesses%2Fwhat-to-do-with-form-1099-k/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/zo2EVPiKN3Df1oAfmXjWlryDLdOtI77k_b_XwlnoRyU=389">What to do with Form 1099-K</a>&nbsp;to help them figure and report the correct amount of income on their tax return.<h2>Choose a trusted tax professional</h2>More than half of taxpayers turn to a tax professional for help filing a tax return. While most tax preparers deliver exceptional and professional service, selecting the wrong preparer can lead to financial harm.Taxpayers should review the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ftaxtopics%2Ftc254/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/cEtNVll4e9qrcCOcPkS0-BVq4uWICYsDdV_sSVnMzl8=389">tips for choosing a tax preparer</a>&nbsp;and learn how to avoid unethical&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fnewsroom%2Fdirty-dozen-irs-urges-taxpayers-to-not-fall-prey-to-untrustworthy-tax-preparers-ghost-preparers-can-disappear-with-taxpayer-cash-information/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/NC9vXAomPT5q2EnMOlh_aq0YM0Db_iVcW1RWdZddFs8=389">“ghost” return</a>&nbsp;preparers who don’t&nbsp;sign or include a valid&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ftax-professionals%2Fptin-requirements-for-tax-return-preparers/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/78rV2nzLxLHuweQq-WSPHfrjpKIVq-D36DA9CGIkZWo=389">preparer tax identification number (PTIN)</a>&nbsp;on every tax return they prepare.&nbsp;Taxpayers can also use the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Firs.treasury.gov%2Frpo%2Frpo.jsf/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/_QcCUXLp79wtcqkFOJr0YiaxqCCbKMprZnbxI1LnU_I=389">IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications</a>&nbsp;to find trusted professionals. The IRS also reminds taxpayers that choosing someone affiliated with a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ftax-professionals%2Firs-tax-pro-association-partners/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/bCdlSn653g3fozfgZY0vHollbfwdWqJRXqg6qDXE66o=389">recognized national tax association</a>&nbsp;is always a good option. Tax professionals accepted into the IRS electronic filing program are&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fe-file-providers%2Fauthorized-irs-e-file-provider-locator-service-for-tax-professionals/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/G7t0qrQKhnv_EQoHc5HDJXSg6yIYsZSlbJIiyWk4kUg=389">authorized IRS e-file providers</a>, qualified to prepare, transmit and process electronically filed tax returns.<h2>Be aware of tax scams</h2>Be aware of scammers, who can become more active during tax season. They will attempt to mislead people about tax refunds, credits and payments. They pressure people for personal, financial, employment information or money.Watch out for:• A big payday. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Bad tax advice on social media may convince people to lie on tax forms or mislead them about credits they can claim. • Demands or threats. Impersonators want people to pay “now or else.” They threaten arrest or deportation. They don’t let people question or appeal the amount of tax they owe. • Odd or misspelled website links. Odd or misspelled web links can take people to harmful sites instead of IRS.gov.Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses stolen personal information, including Social Security numbers, to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund. If a person suspects they are a victim of identity theft, they should continue to pay their taxes and file their tax return, even if they must file a paper return. Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fidentity-theft-central/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/CJRN0lZ6OMrsveAF0wNX0LTOUMLDq_BWKiuSBBM4XX0=389">Identity Theft Central</a>&nbsp;to find out more.<h2>Know the signs of identity theft</h2>Thousands of people have lost millions of dollars and their personal information to tax scams. Scammers use the regular mail, telephone and email to set up individuals, businesses, payroll and tax professionals.&nbsp;Check out the latest&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fhelp%2Ftax-scams%2Frecognize-tax-scams-and-fraud/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/R1SCsO1JvfyODanrWG1rG_OVxSzENO7v9wiORnyPv-o=389">consumer alerts</a>&nbsp;and read more about the most recent tax related scams identified by the IRS.<h2>More help is now available</h2>The IRS also provides taxpayers help in-person at Taxpayer Assistance Centers nationwide.Some improvements taxpayers will see during the 2025 filing season are:IRS Individual Online Account&nbsp;The IRS continues to add more functionality to this important tool. Individuals can create or access their IRS Online Account at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fpayments%2Fonline-account-for-individuals/1/01000194a8f2504c-f8075b76-5487-4369-b2f8-3ae9a62121a6-000000/iV1C0KSMxGtKSef7u-2usmL1-H5nc0rkkiZ0OC3MFW8=389">Online account for individuals</a>. With an IRS Online Account, people can:• View key details from their most recent tax return, such as adjusted gross income. •&nbsp;Request an Identity Protection PIN.. Get account transcripts, to include wage and income records. •&nbsp;Sign tax forms like powers of attorney or tax information authorizations. • View and edit language preferences and alternative media. • Receive and view over 200 IRS electronic notices. •&nbsp;View, make and cancel payments. • Set up or change payment plans and check their balance.New scam alertTo help protect taxpayers against emerging threats, there’s a new banner on the Online Account homepage that alerts taxpayers of potential scams and schemes, along with a link to their Digital Notices and Letters page to view correspondence sent to them from the IRS. The feature helps to educate taxpayers on common scams and fraudulent efforts to steal taxpayer information and provide taxpayers with more ability to validate the legitimacy of IRS communications.Redesigned notices The IRS successfully redesigned 284 notices in 2024, exceeding the agency’s 200 notice goal. It is important to note that 200 notices were redesigned and deployed in 2024 and an additional 84 redesigned notices are in line to be deployed in 2025. All notices will be added to Individual Online Account so taxpayers receiving a specific letter can see it.Mobile-adaptive tax forms Taxpayers can now access 67 forms on cell phones and tablets. The most recent forms feature “save and draft” capabilities, which allow the taxpayer to start a form, save it and return to it later. The addition of save and draft allows for future capabilities, including the ability for multiple spouses to sign a form.Virtual assistants to help with refunds and other questions Whether a taxpayer uses an online tool or calls the IRS, they will experience upgraded help features. During filing season 2025, the IRS will offer voicebot services to all taxpayers calling the IRS for refund information. The voicebot is available in English and Spanish and has helped thousands of callers without the need to wait for the next available representative. Taxpayers will have to authenticate their identity to gain access to their refund information by providing select information from their tax return.Last year the IRS began using online chatbots for various functions. These chatbots use either guided help through choice buttons or an open text box for a customized question. The chatbots use natural language processing and understanding to interpret the input from the taxpayer to provide an appropriate response. To launch the chatbot, the taxpayer simply clicks on the “Chat” button in the lower right corner of the webpage. Currently taxpayers can use chatbots from eight webpages.

2025 tax filing season underway; taxpayers have many options for help

WASHINGTON (AP) — Those binders full of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-has-trump-done-trump-executive-orders-f061fbe7f08c08d81509a6af20ef8fc0">executive orders</a>&nbsp;that President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has been signing with a flourish and a wide-tipped Sharpie during his first week in office don’t just magically appear before him.

White House staff secretary Will Scharf has been a prominent part of the tableau, standing at Trump’s side and teeing up the leather-bound folders, one by one, for the president. With the cameras rolling, Scharf provides running narration on what Trump is signing, at times leaning into a nearby microphone at the president’s direction.

He was by Trump’s side Thursday as the president signed orders and memoranda at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. And in the first hours of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-inauguration-scene-rotunda-republicans-second-term-618e452b9e8fe294095937b27816d21a">Trump’s return to power</a>, he was there with Trump at the Capitol, at a nearby rally and the White House as the president scrawled his name on stacks of orders implementing his agenda.

Scharf doesn’t just act the straight man as Trump talks up his orders, cracks jokes and fields questions from reporters. He also plays a key role in the White House, overseeing the flow of information and business coming to and from the president.

The staff secretary’s job has traditionally involved managing the papers that cross the president’s desk. It serves almost as air traffic control for the West Wing — tracking the drafting and approval of memos and statements as they work their way to the president’s desk and then out to the world.

The “StaffSec” coordinates the work of the White House policy, communications and legal teams as information flows around the building, and traditionally is a neutral arbiter in policy debates.

The staff secretary has nearly unparalleled visibility to the goings-on of the West Wing and leads one of the least-known but most impactful teams in a well-functioning White House.

Scharf was a member of Trump’s legal team before joining the new administration. He previously worked as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bailey-scharf-missouri-attorney-general-donors-raga-3d37564d77ded4169c9c523119bde97c">a policy director</a>&nbsp;for former Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens and on the campaign of 2016 Republican gubernatorial candidate Catherine Hanaway.

He graduated from Princeton and Harvard Law School before moving to Missouri in 2011 to clerk for Judge Raymond Gruender on the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. He also worked as an assistant U.S. attorney.

Trump tapped Scharf to be his staff secretary in November, citing his experience as a lawyer on the future president’s criminal cases and Scharf’s work during the first Trump presidency getting judges and justices confirmed. They included U.S. Supreme Court Justices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/brett-kavanaugh">Brett Kavanaugh</a>&nbsp;— who himself served as White House staff secretary for President George W. Bush — and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/amy-coney-barrett">Amy Coney Barrett</a>.

Scharf joined Trump’s legal team in October 2023 and was one of the president’s lawyers in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-special-counsel-report-election-interference-4ef4ba2508baf3bb269abd4bcdc8e102">election interference case</a>&nbsp;brought by special counsel Jack Smith. The case went before the Supreme Court, which ruled that presidents enjoy sweeping immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts.

Scharf is among several of Trump’s lawyers who have been rewarded with spots in his new administration. Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, who defended Trump at his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hush-money-sentencing-stormy-daniels-33e070bd3c1acb609bba13f23d784a3a">hush money criminal trial</a>&nbsp;in New York, both got high-ranking Justice Department posts.

“Will Scharf is a brilliant legal mind who has extensive experience defending President Trump from the witch-hunts against him,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. “Will is perfectly suited to help execute President Trump’s agenda in this important role.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737729381217.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Those binders full of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-has-trump-done-trump-executive-orders-f061fbe7f08c08d81509a6af20ef8fc0">executive orders</a>&nbsp;that President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has been signing with a flourish and a wide-tipped Sharpie during his first week in office don’t just magically appear before him.White House staff secretary Will Scharf has been a prominent part of the tableau, standing at Trump’s side and teeing up the leather-bound folders, one by one, for the president. With the cameras rolling, Scharf provides running narration on what Trump is signing, at times leaning into a nearby microphone at the president’s direction.He was by Trump’s side Thursday as the president signed orders and memoranda at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. And in the first hours of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-inauguration-scene-rotunda-republicans-second-term-618e452b9e8fe294095937b27816d21a">Trump’s return to power</a>, he was there with Trump at the Capitol, at a nearby rally and the White House as the president scrawled his name on stacks of orders implementing his agenda.Scharf doesn’t just act the straight man as Trump talks up his orders, cracks jokes and fields questions from reporters. He also plays a key role in the White House, overseeing the flow of information and business coming to and from the president.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737729569047.png" alt="Photo by Taylor Budowich, Assistant to the President" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Taylor Budowich, Assistant to the President</figcaption>
 </figure>A look at Scharf and his new job:<h2>The presidential in-box</h2>The staff secretary’s job has traditionally involved managing the papers that cross the president’s desk. It serves almost as air traffic control for the West Wing — tracking the drafting and approval of memos and statements as they work their way to the president’s desk and then out to the world.The “StaffSec” coordinates the work of the White House policy, communications and legal teams as information flows around the building, and traditionally is a neutral arbiter in policy debates.The staff secretary has nearly unparalleled visibility to the goings-on of the West Wing and leads one of the least-known but most impactful teams in a well-functioning White House.<h2>Who is Will Scharf?</h2>Scharf was a member of Trump’s legal team before joining the new administration. He previously worked as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bailey-scharf-missouri-attorney-general-donors-raga-3d37564d77ded4169c9c523119bde97c">a policy director</a>&nbsp;for former Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens and on the campaign of 2016 Republican gubernatorial candidate Catherine Hanaway.He graduated from Princeton and Harvard Law School before moving to Missouri in 2011 to clerk for Judge Raymond Gruender on the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. He also worked as an assistant U.S. attorney.Trump tapped Scharf to be his staff secretary in November, citing his experience as a lawyer on the future president’s criminal cases and Scharf’s work during the first Trump presidency getting judges and justices confirmed. They included U.S. Supreme Court Justices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/brett-kavanaugh">Brett Kavanaugh</a>&nbsp;— who himself served as White House staff secretary for President George W. Bush — and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/amy-coney-barrett">Amy Coney Barrett</a>.<h2>He helped Trump fight his legal battles</h2>Scharf joined Trump’s legal team in October 2023 and was one of the president’s lawyers in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-special-counsel-report-election-interference-4ef4ba2508baf3bb269abd4bcdc8e102">election interference case</a>&nbsp;brought by special counsel Jack Smith. The case went before the Supreme Court, which ruled that presidents enjoy sweeping immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts.Scharf is among several of Trump’s lawyers who have been rewarded with spots in his new administration. Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, who defended Trump at his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hush-money-sentencing-stormy-daniels-33e070bd3c1acb609bba13f23d784a3a">hush money criminal trial</a>&nbsp;in New York, both got high-ranking Justice Department posts.“Will Scharf is a brilliant legal mind who has extensive experience defending President Trump from the witch-hunts against him,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. “Will is perfectly suited to help execute President Trump’s agenda in this important role.”<h2>It’s not Scharf’s first time in the public eye</h2>Scharf’s spot by Trump’s side as he rolled out his Day One executive actions was not his first time in public view. He has appeared on cable news and has written opinion columns discussing Trump’s legal cases.In 2023, Scharf and Newsweek senior editor Josh Hammer co-founded a group called Jews Against Soros, launching a campaign arguing that criticism of George Soros, the billionaire Democratic donor and philanthropist, is not antisemitic.Scharf ran unsuccessfully for Missouri attorney general in 2024, losing to incumbent Andrew Bailey. His campaign included&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/willscharf/status/1810661099764690975" target="_blank">a memorable ad</a>&nbsp;in which the mild-mannered lawyer appears to use a grenade launcher to fire on a pile of boxes that were labeled to look like they contained legal documents related to Trump’s criminal cases.

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