Tax Season Help with the IRS

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is now facing the third tax return filing season with its operations, staffing, and workload impacted by the pandemic.

The 2022 filing season will present challenges for taxpayers, as the IRS continues to work through a backlog of unprocessed returns from last year and faces increasing demands on its telephone and other assistance.

The last day for 2022 filing is April 18.

To help taxpayers and tax professionals, the IRS has announced a special new page on IRS.gov that provides the latest details and information affecting the 2022 filing season. The page also provides information about ongoing IRS efforts to address the inventory of previously filed tax returns.

Some changes to highlight include an increase in the Child and Dependent Care Credit, expansions of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC).

Taxpayers who received the advance child tax credit or received a stimulus check last year should receive correspondence from the IRS with more information on how to accurately file their upcoming return.

Decreasing the IRS backlog, delivering high-quality customer service, modernizing IRS technology, and strengthening the public’s trust in the IRS are top priorities for Congressional Democrats.

The Ways and Means Committee included more funding for the IRS in Build Back Better and this is just another reason why the Senate needs to pass BBB as soon as possible.

Build Back Better provides for a much-needed multi-year stream of funding for the IRS, with nearly $80 billion to the agency to invest in taxpayer service, overhaul technology, and improve the capacity of the IRS to collect owed taxes from wealthy evaders—without increasing audit rates relative to recent years for any taxpayers earning less than $400,000.

To allow for the best outcome possible:

• Constituents should file electronically as early as possible and opt for direct deposit.
• What information do you need to bring with you? Taxpayers should have with them W-2s, Form 1099s, other income statements and any letter received from the IRS on advance CTC payments and Economic Impact Payments. 
• “Bring your patience.” The IRS has indicated that the demand for telephone assistance is expected to be high, so taxpayers should use the online tools on IRS.gov, when possible, for additional information 24 hours a day. IRS by telephone: call 1-800-829-1040. Wait times are longest on Mondays, Tuesdays, during President’s Day weekend, and around the filing deadline.
• Use trusted and reputable tax preparation professionals, assistance, or software. Taxpayers can use the IRS Free File program if they earned $73,000 or less in 2021, or use the one-on-one tax preparation assistance of IRS volunteer sites. Taxpayer assistance is also available through certain nonprofit organizations, such as United Way and Get Your Refund. Finally, if using e-file, taxpayers should try to find software that helps avoid math errors and guides taxpayers to answers to their questions.
• For more tips on how to put your best foot forward during tax time, click HERE.

Throughout the filing season, my office and the IRS will continue to provide “Tax Tips” and reminders in plain language to help you file complete and accurate tax returns, get the best possible refund outcome, and pay taxes.

Some examples include:

• Common tax return mistakes that can cost taxpayers
• How a taxpayer’s filing status affects their tax return
• Why taxpayers should have their tax refund direct deposited

IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers open on special Saturdays for face-to-face help

Select IRS Taxpayer Assistant Centers (TACs) are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., on the following Saturdays: February 12, March 12, April 9 and May 14. No appointments are required.

To see which TACs will be open, visit IRS.gov/saturdayhours. The IRS's Contact Your Local Office site (401 W. Peachtree St., N.W., Atlanta for example) lists the services provided at specific TACs. The TACs will not accept cash payments on these Saturdays.

If someone has questions about a tax bill or an IRS audit, or needs help resolving a tax problem including reconciling Advance Child Tax Credit payments, they will receive assistance from IRS employees specializing in these services. If these employees are not available at a specific TAC location, the individual will receive a referral for these services. Taxpayer Advocate Service employees may also be available to assist with issues that meet their criteria.

To arrive prepared, individuals should bring the following information:

• Current government-issued photo identification,
• Social Security cards for members of their household, including spouse and dependents (if applicable) and
• Any IRS letters or notices received and related documents.

During the visit, IRS staff may also request the following information:

• A current mailing address,
• An email address and
• Bank account information, to receive payments or refunds by direct deposit.

Foreign language interpreters will be available where possible. IRS staff will schedule appointments for a later date for Deaf or Hard of Hearing individuals who need sign language interpreter services.

The IRS follows Centers for Disease Control social distancing guidelines for COVID-19, and availability may change without notice. People are required to wear face masks and social distance at these events.

Please Note:

If you need assistance preparing tax returns please refer to a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Center (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly location. VITA sites offer free tax help to qualified individuals who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:

• People who earn $58,000 or less,
• Persons with disabilities and
• Limited English-speaking taxpayers.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is available free to taxpayers with low- and moderate-income, with special attention to those 50 and older. Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified each year to ensure their knowledge of revisions to the U.S. tax code.

• In-Person: Through Tax-Aide's traditional in-person service, taxes are prepared and filed by IRS - certified tax counselors - with physical distancing measures in place.
• Low-Contact: Taxpayers interact with IRS-certified Tax-Aide volunteers in one or two short, in-person meetings to exchange documents.
• Contact-Free: Taxpayers interact with Tax-Aide's IRS-certified tax counselors online or by phone and exchange documents electronically.
• Self-Preparation: Tax-Aide provides taxpayers with free access to software so they can prepare their own taxes. Taxpayers can also request help from a Tax-Aide IRS-certified counselor to coach them through the process through computer screen-sharing.

As a result of COVID-19 restrictions, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide services are currently by appointment only. Guests will wear a mask that complies with CDC guidance onsite at all times unless state or local regulations or orders prohibit mask mandates.

You can find an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide location in your district and learn more about our program at www.aarpfoundation.org/taxaide.