The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that the 2022 tax filing season will officially begin on Monday, January 24, 2022. This means that taxpayers can start submitting their 2021 tax returns to the IRS on that date. The filing deadline for most taxpayers is Monday, April 18, 2022.
Key Dates for the 2022 Tax Filing Season:
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January 14, 2022: IRS Free File opens. Taxpayers can begin filing returns through IRS Free File partners; tax returns will be transmitted to the IRS starting January 24. Tax software companies also are accepting tax filings in advance.
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January 18, 2022: Due date for tax year 2021 fourth quarter estimated tax payment.
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January 24, 2022: IRS begins 2022 tax season. Individual 2021 tax returns begin being accepted and processing begins
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January 28, 2022: Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day to raise awareness of valuable tax credits available to many people – including the option to use prior-year income to qualify.
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April 18, 2022: Due date to file 2021 tax return or request extension and pay tax owed due to Emancipation Day holiday in Washington, D.C., even for those who live outside the area.
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April 19, 2022: Due date to file 2021 tax return or request extension and pay tax owed for those who live in MA or ME due to Patriots’ Day holiday
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October 17, 2022: Due date to file for those requesting an extension on their 2021 tax returns
What to Expect During the 2022 Tax Filing Season:
The IRS is expecting to receive more than 160 million individual tax returns during the 2022 filing season. The agency is urging taxpayers to file their returns electronically and to choose direct deposit for their refunds. This will help to speed up the processing of returns and the issuance of refunds.
The IRS is also reminding taxpayers that they may be eligible for a number of tax credits and deductions, including the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, and the American Opportunity Tax Credit. Taxpayers should make sure to claim all of the credits and deductions that they are eligible for in order to reduce their tax liability.
How to Get Help with Your Taxes:
The IRS offers a variety of resources to help taxpayers with their taxes, including:
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IRS.gov: The IRS website has a wealth of information about taxes, including forms, instructions, and publications. Taxpayers can also use the IRS website to file their taxes electronically.
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IRS Free File: IRS Free File is a program that allows taxpayers to file their taxes electronically for free. Taxpayers can use IRS Free File if they meet certain income requirements.
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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): VITA is a program that provides free tax preparation assistance to low-income taxpayers. Taxpayers can find a VITA site near them by visiting the IRS website.
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Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE): TCE is a program that provides free tax preparation assistance to elderly taxpayers. Taxpayers can find a TCE site near them by visiting the IRS website.
Additional Resources: