Tax season is fast approaching! The pandemic has affected production on a multitude of levels and has taught us to be prepared for any delays whether it be shopping in person or even online. The Internal Revenue Service has shared it is faced with backlogs of up to 6 million in unprocessed individual returns. This tax season could very well have delays we are not in favor with. To help alleviate the burdens of the IRS and improve our chances of receiving our returns in a decent time frame, the IRS strongly suggests you do the following:
Use Free Online Resources Provided By The IRS
Filing taxes always brings a myriad of questions; questions we never know who to direct to, but the IRS. For this year’s tax season the IRS has shared, instead of calling in with your questions, you can visit the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and/or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE). Both programs are managed by the IRS and staffed with IRS-certified volunteers, who must take and pass tax law training which meets or exceeds IRS standards. To learn more and find a location near you, click here.
File Your Taxes Electronically This Year
The IRS strongly suggests taxpayers file their tax return electronically along with their direct deposit information as soon as all their tax documents have been made available. Tax payers should also check on the accuracy of all their information. Filing a tax return with errors or one that is incomplete may add to the overall delay of receiving your tax return. For the latest IRS forms and instructions, you can visit the IRS website at IRS.gov/forms.
Expect To Receive IRS Letters This Tax Season
People receiving these letters should keep them. Do not throw them away. These letters can help taxpayers, or their tax professional prepare their 2021 federal tax return.
Letter 6419 - Advance Child Tax Credit Payments
Did you know the Child Tax Credits were actually advanced payments on your 2021 taxes? The tax credit was temporarily expanded from $2,000 to $3,600 and the government began to pay half of the available credit via monthly payments from July through December. Those who opted out of advance payments will be receiving full refund amounts.
Each individual, even those who file jointly, should have received letter 6419, 2021 Advance Child Tax Credit. The IRS began sending Letter 6419 via the United States Postal Service back in December 2021 and has continued into the month of January. This letter contains information such as the total Advance Child Tax Credit amount as well as the number of qualifying children used to calculate the overall amount. Anyone who did not receive any payments listed is instructed to call the IRS before filing a return.
Letter 6475 - Economic Impact Payment
Letter 6475, Third Economic Impact Payment (Stimulus Money) was also issued out to individuals who received a third payment in 2021, in late January. This letter is needed to provide verification to the IRS that the taxpayer received the money.
What if I never received Letter 6419 or Letter 6475?
As mentioned above, to ensure you receive your refund, you will need the information on both letters. If you are missing either letter you can use the child tax credits portal to verify the information you need.
You always have the option to call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040, but remember, delays are imminent and strongly suggested you complete all your tax needs, electronically.
For more important IRS information, you can click here.
Tips To Make Filing Easier
- Gather all your 2021 tax records, Individual Tax Payer Identification Numbers, Adoption Taxpayer Identification Numbers, and this year’s Identity.
- Set up or log in securely at IRS.gov/account to access personal account tax information including balance, payments, and tax records including adjusted gross income.
- Individuals can use a bank account, prepaid debit card or mobile app to use direct deposit and will need to provide routing and account numbers.
Key Filing Dates
Below are important dates taxpayers should be aware of this season:
April 18 — Due date to file 2021 tax return or to request an extension and pay tax owed due to Emancipation Day holiday in Washington, D.C., even for those who live outside the area.
April 19 — Due date to file 2021 tax returns or request extension and pay tax owed for those who live in MA or ME due to Patriot’s Day holiday.
When it's time to file your return, remember that filing your taxes electronically and including your direct deposit information would result in the quickest possible return.
SafeAmerica Credit Union Members Save
Filing your taxes doesn't have to be taxing. As a Safeamerica Credit Union member, you now have more choices and more savings this tax season. We've partnered with TurboTax and H&R Block to help you file your way and get special member savings.
- #1 best-selling tax preparation software
- File your taxes from anywhere, 24/7
- New and returning filers save up to $15
- File in-person, via drop off or virtually
- New clients save $25 and returning clients will get the Tax Identity Shield® add-on
- Experienced tax pros with an average of 10 years' experience
The information in this article is for general educational purposes only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations. Please discuss your particular circumstances with an appropriate professional before taking action.
