Tax season is officially upon us.

Illinois residents can start filing taxes Jan. 27.

Some Illinois residents will be able to file their 2024 federal tax returns for free.

Here’s what you need to know.

Who can file their federal taxes for free?

Check to see if you are eligible by visiting https://directfile.irs.gov .

How can it be free?

Illinois is participating in the Internal Revenue Service's Direct File program this year. Through the program, the eligible taxpayers would be filing their federal returns directly with the IRS.

"It offers a range of benefits for taxpayers, including free federal tax return filing, step-by-step guidance, and real-time online support," a spokesperson wrote.

Direct File has no income limits for filers.

For those who choose to file a federal return using Direct File, the program afterwards will connect taxpayers to Illinois’ free state income tax filing system, MyTax Illinois , where people can file and complete their Illinois state returns.

Do I have to file with Direct File?

No, people can still choose to file using tax-prep software, a tax professional, or the paper Form IL-1040.

How quickly can I receive a refund?

Taxpayers who file an Illinois return electronically with no errors should receive a direct deposit refund in about four weeks. The Where's My Refund? tool, which is updated each night, is the simplest way to track your refund within 24 hours of e-filing. For taxpayers who filed a paper return, refund information is normally available after four weeks.

When is the tax filing deadline?

April 15, 2025.

What is the deadline to file an extension?

The deadline to file for an extension is April 15, according to the IRS . That gives taxpayers until Oct. 15 to file without penalties.