Kentucky Tax Filing Season Begins Jan. 27

Department of Revenue encourages Kentuckians to file early to avoid processing delays 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 16, 2025) — The Kentucky Department of Revenue (DOR) will begin accepting state individual income tax returns at on Monday, Jan. 27, and will begin processing returns the same day. The deadline for Kentuckians to file 2024 returns is Tuesday, April 15, 2025. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) also will begin accepting federal individual income tax returns Jan. 27. 

File Early To Avoid Processing Delays
This year, Kentuckians are encouraged to file early to avoid processing delays. DOR will temporarily pause operations for two weeks, from Feb. 26 to March 14, 2025, so it can transition to a new, integrated tax system called MyTaxes.  

“We encourage Kentuckians who anticipate a refund to file their taxes early, so they can receive those payments as soon as possible,” said Tom Miller, DOR commissioner. “Our team is working hard to transition to a new, modern tax system that’s easy to navigate and will benefit our citizens and businesses for years to come.” 

Kentuckians can file individual income tax returns at any point from Jan. 27 through April 15; however, returns and refund payments will not be processed during the two-week pause, Feb. 26 to March 14. DOR staff will still be answering phone calls from taxpayers during this period, but they will only be able to provide limited assistance until normal operations resume March 14.  

The full transition to MyTaxes will take a few years to complete. Business taxpayers will use the new system beginning March 14, 2025. Individual income taxpayers will continue to use the current system for the 2025 tax season. To learn more, visit revenue.ky.gov/Pages/MyTaxes.aspx. 

Electronic individual income tax returns typically take four to six weeks to process. Taxpayers may check the status of their state refund by visiting refund.ky.gov. Kentuckians’ federal tax returns will be processed normally and will not be impacted by DOR’s operations pause.  

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Sites 
Each year, DOR partners with the IRS to operate Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites across the state. At these sites, knowledgeable staff provide free tax filing assistance to eligible individuals and families, as well as Kentucky state government employees.  

This service is available to help individuals with an annual income of $67,000 or less or any Kentucky state government employee, regardless of income.   

In-person assistance will be offered by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Feb. 4 to April 15. If you believe you qualify and would like to take advantage of this service, please schedule an appointment by contacting the nearest regional taxpayer service center. A complete list of the regional taxpayer service centers is available here.  

Get Help on Tax Returns
Taxpayers who have questions or require assistance may submit a general inquiry on the DOR website at “Get Help” or contact DOR taxpayer assistance at 502-564-4581. Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. ET.