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One of the biggest mistakes tax filers make is to prepare for taxes in time which leads to panic at the time of filing. The solution to the problem lies in proper planning and preparation. To help taxpayers navigate through tax filing season, the Internal Revenue Service has provided a checklist for people as they prepare to file their 2022 tax returns.
Follow the below mentioned easy steps and tax filing won’t seem an uphill battle.
1. Gather tax paperwork and records for accuracy to avoid missing a deduction or credit.
The first step to follow is to gather all important and necessary documents before preparing their return. This helps them file a complete and accurate tax return. Errors and omissions slow down tax processing, including refund times.
Some information taxpayers need before they begin includes:
- Social Security numbers for everyone listed on the tax return,
- Bank account and routing numbers,
- Various tax forms such as W-2s, 1099s, 1098s and other income documents or records of digital asset transactions,
- Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace statement,
- Any IRS letters citing an amount received for a certain tax deduction or credit.
2. Remember to report all types of income on the tax return.
You might forget or omit to report one or more income on the tax return but the IRS won’t. To avoid receiving a notice or bill from the IRS, do include income from the following as well:
- Goods created and sold on online platforms,
- Investment income,
- Part-time or seasonal work,
- Self-employment or other business activities,
- Services provided through mobile apps.
3. File electronically with direct deposit to avoid delays in receiving a refund.
Though you can file both manually and electronically, but to avoid delays in receiving a refund, avoid paper returns. Tax software helps individuals avoid mistakes by doing the math. It guides people through each section of their tax return using a question-and-answer format.
For those waiting on their 2021 tax return to be processed, here’s a special tip to ensure their 2022 tax return is accepted by the IRS for processing. Make sure to enter $0 (zero dollars) for last year’s adjusted gross income (AGI) on the 2022 tax return. Everyone else should enter their prior year’s AGI from last year’s return.
4. Free resources are available to help eligible taxpayers file online. Free help may also be available to qualified taxpayers.
There are numerous resources available to help eligible taxpayers file online. IRS Free File provides a free online alternative to filing a paper tax return. IRS Free File is available to any individual or family who earned $73,000 or less in 2022.
With IRS Free File, leading tax software providers make their online products available for free as part of a 21-year partnership with the IRS. This year, there are seven products in English and one in Spanish. Taxpayers must access these products through the IRS website.
People who make over $73,000 can use the IRS’ Free File Fillable Forms. These are the electronic version of IRS paper forms. This product is best for people who are comfortable preparing their own taxes.
Qualified taxpayers can also find free one-on-one tax preparation help around the nation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counselling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.
5. Choose a tax professional carefully.
Choosing the right tax professional means half the battle is already won. Most tax return preparers are professional, honest and provide excellent service to their clients. However, dishonest tax return preparers who file false income tax returns do exist. The IRS has a Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications and more on choosing a tax pro on IRS.gov.
6. Avoid phone delays; use online resources before calling the IRS.
Normally when we are in doubt over some tax technicality or some status check, we tend to make a call at the IRS helpline number. To avoid waiting on hold, the IRS urges people to use IRS.gov to get answers to tax questions, check a refund status or pay taxes. There’s no wait time or appointment needed — online tools and resources are available 24 hours a day. The IRS’ Interactive Tax Assistant tool and Let Us Help You resources are especially helpful.
Additionally, the IRS suggests taxpayers stay up to date on important tax information online by:
- Following the IRS’ official social media accounts and email subscription lists to stay current on the latest tax topics and alerts.
- Downloading the IRS2Go mobile app, watching IRS YouTube videos, or following the IRS on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates on tax changes, scam alerts, initiatives, products and services.
We are reachable at info@omnirichfinancials.com for any queries.
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