The Internal Revenue Service kicked off the 2023 tax filing season with a focus on improving service and reminding taxpayers to file electronically with direct deposit to expedite refunds and avoid delays.
Following the successful opening of its systems today, the IRS is now accepting and processing 2022 tax returns. Most individual tax returns for tax year 2022 are expected to be filed before the tax deadline of 18 of April.
Taxpayers have until April 18 to file taxes this year, but some taxpayers living abroad and disaster victims may face later deadlines. Victims of the storm in Alabama, California and Georgia now have until May 15 to file various individual and corporate federal tax returns and make tax payments.
"After months of hard work, today we successfully opened our processing systems to begin this year's tax season," said Doug O'Donnell, Acting IRS Commissioner. "Getting to this point is a colossal effort not only for the IRS but also for the nation's tax community. The hard-working IRS is looking forward to serving taxpayers this tax season and I personally want to thank them and the entire tax community." taxes and payroll for their dedication to making tax time easier for the nation."
O'Donnell also noted that taxpayers can count on the IRS to provide better service this tax filing season. As part of the August passage of the Reduce Inflation Act, the IRS has more than 5,000 new telephone assistants and added more in-person staff to assist taxpayers.
"We continue to increase IRS staff to help provide taxpayers with the information and assistance they need," O'Donnell said. "The IRS reminds taxpayers to take some important steps when filing their tax returns for a smoother process. You should collect the necessary tax records, file an accurate return electronically, and choose direct deposit to get your refunds faster." .
Taxpayers who file a tax return electronically without hassle and opt for direct deposit should still receive their refund within 21 days of the filing date, similar to previous years. Due to changes in tax law, such as the elimination of the early child tax credit and the non-recapture of refund credits this year to apply for pandemic-related stimulus payments, many taxpayers may find their refunds are slightly lower this year. .
IRS Tips for a Smooth Tax Filing Season
Faster refunds through electronic filing, avoiding paper returns: To avoid refund delays, the IRS encourages taxpayers to file their income tax returns electronically with direct deposit instead of filing an income tax return. rent on paper Taxpayers can use IRS Free File on IRS.gov, other tax software, or a trusted tax professional. Members of the military and qualified veterans can file their federal tax returns and up to three state tax returns electronically for free using MilTax, a Department of Defense program.
Avoid delays; Filing an accurate tax return: Taxpayers should ensure that they are prepared to file an accurate and complete tax return. This can help you avoid processing delays, extended payment delays, and subsequent notifications from the IRS.
Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit Refunds: Taxpayers can file their returns beginning January 23, but the IRS cannot issue refunds related to the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit. children before mid-February. The law provides extra time to help the IRS prevent fraudulent refunds. "Where's my refund?" on IRS.gov should show an updated status by February 18 for most EITC and ACTC claimants. The IRS expects most of these refunds to be available in taxpayers' bank accounts or debit cards by February 28 if people opt for direct deposit and there are no other issues with their tax returns.
Avoid phone delays; online resources best way to ask for help: IRS.gov is the fastest and easiest way to ask for help. The phone lines served by the IRS continue to receive a high volume of calls. To avoid delays, first check IRS.gov for information on refunds and answers to tax questions . Creating an online account at IRS.gov can also help taxpayers get information quickly. The IRS online account has recently been expanded to allow more people to access it. The interactive Tax Assistant can also help taxpayers get answers to many tax questions online at any time.
Online options for free assistance; Answers to Common Questions: Use IRS.gov to get answers to tax questions , check the status of a refund, or pay your taxes . No wait times or appointments necessary – online tools and resources are available 24 hours a day.
Other Free Help Options: IRS Free File is available to any individual or family who earned $73,000 or less in 2022. For taxpayers who are comfortable filling out their own tax forms, free-to-fill forms may be a good option. . MilTax is a free tax resource available to the military community and is offered through the Department of Defense. Qualified taxpayers can also find free individual assistance with tax preparation throughout the country through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for Seniors programs.
2021 tax returns still in process: taxpayers can check where is my amended return? to find out your tax year 2021 Form 1040-X status and you can still file your 2022 tax returns even if your 2021 tax returns have not been processed. Visit the IRS Operations page for more information on what to expect.
April 18 Tax Deadline: This year, the application deadline is April 18 for most taxpayers, but the automatic six-month extensions are available to anyone at no cost. See Extending the Time to File Your Tax Return for instructions. Taxpayers should know that filing Form 4868 only extends the time to file tax returns. Those who owe taxes still need to pay by April 18 to avoid late payment penalties.