Tax Filing Season Returns Are Due April 18
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has kicked off the 2023 tax filing season with a focus on improving service and a reminder to taxpayers to file electronically with direct deposit to speed up refunds and avoid delays. This article will provide essential information about the 2023 tax filing season and tips for a smooth process.
Filing Deadline:
The deadline for most taxpayers to file their taxes this year is April 18. However, some taxpayers living overseas and disaster victims may have later filing deadlines. Alabama, California and Georgia storm victims now have until May 15 to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.
Improved Service:
As part of the August passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, the IRS has more than 5,000 new telephone assistors and added more in-person staff to help taxpayers. Taxpayers can count on improved service this filing season, according to IRS Acting Commissioner Doug O’Donnell.
Fastest Refunds by E-filing:
To avoid refund delays, the IRS encourages taxpayers to file their tax return electronically with direct deposit instead of submitting a paper tax return. Taxpayers may use IRS Free File on IRS.gov, other tax software or a trusted tax professional. Members of the armed forces and qualifying veterans can file their federal tax return and up to three state tax returns for free electronically using MilTax, a Department of Defense program.
Avoid Delays with Accurate Filing:
Taxpayers should make sure they’re ready to file an accurate and complete tax return to avoid processing delays, extensive refund delays, and later IRS notices.
Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit Refunds:
The IRS cannot issue refunds involving the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit before mid-February. The law provides the extra time to help the IRS prevent fraudulent refunds. “Where’s My Refund?” on IRS.gov should show an updated status by Feb. 18 for most EITC and ACTC filers.
Online Options for Help:
IRS.gov is the quickest and easiest option for help. To avoid phone delays, check IRS.gov first for refund information and answers to tax questions. Setting up an Online Account on IRS.gov can also help taxpayers get information quickly. IRS Online Account was recently expanded to allow more people to gain access. The Interactive Tax Assistant can also help taxpayers get answers to many tax questions online at any time.
Other Free Options for Help:
IRS Free File is available to any person or family who earned $73,000 or less in 2022. For taxpayers who are comfortable completing their own tax forms, Free File Fillable 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 one-on-one tax preparation help nationwide through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs.
2021 Tax Returns:
Taxpayers can check Where’s My Amended Return? to find out the status of their tax year 2021 Form 1040-X and can still file their 2022 tax returns even if their 2021 tax returns haven’t been processed.
April 18 Tax Deadline:
The filing deadline is April 18 for most taxpayers, but automatic six-month extensions of time to file are available for anyone for free. Taxpayers should be aware that filing Form 4868 does not grant an extension of time to pay taxes owed.
Conclusion:
The IRS has started the 2023 tax filing season with a focus on improved
Reference:
https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/extension-of-time-to-file-your-tax-return
https://www.irs.gov/filing/wheres-my-amended-return
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes