JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Tax season is officially underway, and taxpayers have until April 15 to file their returns.
This year brings important changes, including increased standard deductions for the 2025 tax year.
Jean Feneis Jr., also known as YR Tax Guy, said the best time to file is right at the start of the season.
“The good time to do it is January 26th,” he said.
Feneis has been preparing for the rush in his Jaguars-themed office on Edgewood Avenue, where he sees hundreds of clients each year.
He explained that tax preparer fees usually depend on the complexity of your paperwork.
“A lot of tax preparers charge based on the amount of work they are putting into your taxes,” Feneis said.
RELATED | IRS head announces a shake-up on the eve of the 2026 tax season
Under President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, standard deductions have increased.
Single filers, or married filing separately, can deduct $15,750. Married filing jointly or surviving spouses get $31,500, and heads of households have a deduction of $23,625.
For those who want to file on their own, the IRS offers a webpage listing eight trusted partners for tax preparation. Taxpayers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $89,000 or less may qualify for a free federal return.
Tax experts said accuracy is critical when filing.
“Birthday, social, the address, account, routing number,” Feneis said. “One simple mistake can delay the tax refunds.”
If the IRS needs to contact you, it will never do so by email, text, or phone call. Instead, watch for official mail.
“IRS mail, you do not disregard that. You do not,” Feneis said. “Any mail, open it.”
Taxpayer Constance Crouse owns a condo in Jacksonville and has a simple routine.
“I just do that simple form and it takes me a few minutes,” she said. “I never get anything back.”
The IRS typically issues federal refunds within 21 days of electronically filing taxes. Paper returns may take longer.