The 2022 tax season has arrived.
The Internal Revenue Service will begin accepting and processing 2021 tax returns on Monday, January 24th. This is 17 days earlier than the late start of the previous tax season on February 12.
However, you may not have everything you need to submit yet.
(If you have any tax questions, please fill out this form. This form is also below. USA TODAY will answer the top questions from our readers as we go through the 2022 tax season.)
There are some important issues to be aware of during this tax season. There is a difference in how unemployment allowances are treated compared to the 2020 returns. You should also consider prepayment of child tax credits, refund of recovery rebate credits, and special breaks, especially for charitable donations.
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There are a few things to keep in mind when putting together a return.
Is there a tax delay due to COVID?
The IRS warns that the resurgence of COVID-19 infections, in addition to less funding approvals requested by the Biden administration, could make this filing season particularly difficult.
“The pandemic continues to create challenges, but the IRS reminds people that there are important steps that can be taken to ensure that tax returns and refunds do not face processing delays,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck. Retig says.
Avoiding paper tax returns will be more important than ever this year to avoid processing delays, he said.
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What is the fastest way to get a refund?
Rettig urged taxpayers to file their tax returns electronically and receive refunds in direct deposits. According to the IRS, refunds can be credited directly to your bank account, prepaid debit card, or mobile app as long as you are provided with the routing and account number.
By when do I need to receive the 2021 W-2?
W-2 will be mailed by January 31st. According to the IRS, the 2015 law requires employers to permanently submit a copy of Form W-2, wage and tax returns, and Form W-3. Sending wages and tax returns submitted to the Social Security Administration by January 31st.
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When is the tax filing deadline for 2022?
The deadline for filing an income tax return for 2021 is Monday, April 18th for most people, three days behind the normal filing deadline for April 15th.
Later dates are the result of a liberation vacation in the District of Columbia. By law, Washington, DC holidays affect everyone’s tax deadlines, just like federal holidays. Taxpayers residing in Maine or Massachusetts must file their tax returns by April 19 due to Patriot’s Day, a holiday celebrated in these states.
The IRS has extended the deadline for wildfire victims in Colorado in late 2021 and tornado victims in December in parts of Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee to May 16. This extension applies to tax returns and tax deadlines for various individuals and businesses.
When is the deadline for submitting tax extensions?
April 18 is also the deadline for requesting an extension, and taxpayers will be able to file their 2021 tax returns until October 17.
Are you eligible for an IRS Free File?
If your total adjusted income in 2021 is $ 73,000 or less, you can use the free tax software to prepare and file your tax return electronically, following the instructions of the online IRS for the 2021 tax season.
Taxpayers with more income can file their tax returns online using the electronic version of the federal tax form, Free File Fillable Forms. For more information, please visit IRS.gov.
When do you expect tax refund in 2022?
The IRS expects most taxpayers to receive refunds, as they have in the last few years. If you choose to deposit directly, in most cases you must submit it electronically and receive it within 21 days (returns are fine). The average federal refund last year was over $ 2,800.
However, by law, the IRS cannot make refunds, including earned income tax credits or additional child tax credits, by mid-February, but taxpayers can file earlier.
Can I track my refunds using the “Where are my refunds?” Tool as before?
The IRS says, “Where are the refunds?” The IRS.gov/refunds and IRS2Go mobile apps are the best way to check your refund status. You can check your status within 24 hours of receiving your electronic file return or within 4 weeks of mailing your paper return.
However, the agency said the website and app “will be updated with the earliest (earned income tax credit / additional child tax credit) refund filer’s expected deposit date by February 22nd.”
2022 IRS tax stimulus check? Probably with recovery rebate credits.
Some people may want to submit a return even if they don’t need to do so to claim recovery rebate credits or 2021 stimulus payments.
According to the IRS, individuals who are not eligible for a third economic benefit payment or who receive less than the full amount may be eligible to claim a recovery rebate credit. For those who make money, the IRS says it needs to know the totals received to calculate the correct rebate credits to avoid processing delays.
The IRS will send a letter 6475 from late January to receive the total amount of the third economic benefit payment. You can also view your economic benefit payments in your IRS online account.
Child tax credit payment: Do I need an IRS Letter 6419 to file a tax return?
Some families may want to postpone filing their tax returns a bit until they find the IRS Letter 6419. This will help you submit an accurate tax return and avoid delays. Others who don’t want to wait may need to check their records on the IRS.gov / ctcportal “Children’s Tax Credit Update Portal Site” for specific information.
Do not throw away this IRS document:Why the IRS Letter 6419 is important for submitting 2021 tax and child tax credits.
Will the unemployment allowance be accompanied by a tax cut in 2022?
Unlike last year, there are no special tax cuts for unemployment benefits up to $ 10,200. Temporary tax cuts were only applied to those with adjusted total income of less than $ 150,000 in 2020 and those who received unemployment benefits last year.
This year, the unemployment allowance received in 2021 will be levied on the 2021 federal income tax return.
Contributed by: Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press; Russ Wiles, Arizona Republic; Associated Press
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