Information for Tax Filing Season

Tax filing season began on January 24, 2022. I want to address some frequently asked questions about filing tax returns and share resources to help make this filing season as painless as possible! Please reach out to my office if you encounter any problems with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or filing your tax return. We are here to help!

Key Deadlines

The deadline to file your 2021 taxes is April 18, 2022. Not filing your tax return on time may result in penalties. To avoid penalties if you do need more time, you can submit a filing extension for free online; this will move your deadline to October 17, 2022.

** Note: The Taxpayer Advocate Service has indicated that inquiries regarding 2021 tax returns will not be accepted until May 17th, unless the constituents are facing imminent foreclosure or eviction. Please continue to reach out to our office with questions and concerns, and we will address them to the best of our ability.

Filing Tips

Filing your tax return online and choosing direct deposit is the best way to avoid delays in receiving your tax return.

  • If your adjusted gross income is $73,000 or less, use IRS Free File.
  • Learn more about your filing options here.
  • If you have difficulties printing your filing forms or do not have reliable access to a computer, call 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676).

To ensure your return is accurate, collect all necessary documents ahead of preparing your tax return. Make sure your stimulus payment and advance Child Tax Credit information is accurate to avoid further processing delays.Be sure to check the credits and deductions you may be eligible for here.

If you faced delays last filing season from the COVID-19 pandemic or were unable to process all returns before the deadlines, this will impact your tax return this year.

  • If you received interest with your 2020 tax refund, you must claim this refund on your 2021 return.
  • If you are still waiting on your 2020 tax return to be processed, you must enter $0 for your 2020 Adjusted Gross Income on your 2021 tax return. 

Child Tax Credit:

The IRS started sending letters to those who received advance CTC payments. The letter says, "2021 Total Advance Child Tax Credit (AdvCTC) Payments" near the top and, "Letter 6419" on the bottom righthand side of the page and contains critical information to ensure your tax return is accurate. Per the IRS, eligible taxpayers who received advance Child Tax Credit payments should file a 2021 tax return to receive the second half of the credit. Eligible taxpayers who did not receive advance Child Tax Credit payments can claim the full credit by filing a tax return.

Third Economic Impact Payment:

In late January 2022, the IRS began issuing letters to people who received a third payment in 2021. The letter says, "Your Third Economic Impact Payment" near the top, and "Letter 6475" on the bottom righthand side of the page. Per the IRS:

  • Most eligible people already received their stimulus payments. This letter will help individuals determine if they are eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) for missing stimulus payments.
  • People who are eligible for RRC must file a 2021 tax return to claim their remaining stimulus amount.

Those who received advanced CTC payments or want to view their Economic Impact Payment amounts and do so using their IRS online account.

Filing by Mail

  • For those that must mail in an original 2021 return, understand your process and timelines will be different.
    • Mail your tax return to the correct processing center. See the options here.
    • Make sure to have proof your return arrived. The USPS provides several options for confirming receipt.
    • Understand the IRS’s mail delay and that your return will take longer to scan in and longer to process than an electronically-filed return.
    • Make sure to use direct deposit. Mailing out checks further delays a taxpayer’s refund.
  • For those filing an amended paper return, your process will be similar to filing an original paper return, but you may face a longer delay.
    • The IRS is currently taking over 30 weeks to process amended returns.
    • Get My Refund will not show the status of an amended return. You can use the Where's My Amended Return? tool.
      • The IRS will unlikely be able to answer questions about your amended return for 16 weeks.
    • If your tax software allows you to file an electronic amended return, we recommend doing so.

Processing Your Tax Return

Most taxpayers should receive their refund within 21 days of electronically filing with the direct deposit option if there are no issues with their tax return. If you file on paper, mailing and processing delays should be expected.

  • The IRS has noted that returns with the Recovery Rebate Credit, Advance Child Tax Credit, and Earned Income Tax Credit are taking up to 120 days to complete.

To check the status of your refund after 24 hours of electronic filing or 4 weeks from mail-in date, visit Where’s My Refund? to verify that the IRS received your filing. Amended e-returns can take three weeks for status updates to appear online and up to 20 weeks to be processed. The status of an amended return can be checked here. 

Those who are calling the IRS are experiencing unprecedented delays. Please use IRS online resources before calling the IRS. You can also reach out to our office with your questions.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax preparation and electronic filing for qualifying Iowans. VITA volunteers can help prepare your taxes and offer assistance with tax credits including the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.

Find a VITA resource in your area here.

Keep Your Identity Safe

Don’t fall victim to scammers. The IRS will not reach out to you via text, social media, or email to request personal and financial information, including: account PINs, personal finances, account log-ins, or Social Security information. If you are receiving unwanted calls or texts requesting your personal and financial information, report them here. For more information on how to protect yourself and your family from theft, click here. If you are unsure if a communication from the IRS is legitimate, please reach out to our team.

If you encounter problems with the IRS, or have any questions regarding a federal agency, please contact one of my offices so my team can assist you.