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Dear John,
Ahead of Tuesday’s deadline to file your 2022 tax return or request an extension, I wanted to share the following resources from the IRS.
Free File options through IRS.gov
Through IRS Free File, taxpayers can select and use commercial software to prepare and file their federal income taxes online if they earned $73,000 or less in 2022. For taxpayers who are comfortable completing their own tax forms, Free File Fillable Forms may be a good option. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly Locator tool is available to help find organizations that provide free tax assistance for taxpayers with low incomes, the elderly and disabled, or people whose preferred language isn’t English. MilTax is a free tax resource from the Department of Defense available to the military community.
IRS tools and resources for the filing season
The IRS encourages taxpayers to use and bookmark tools and resources on IRS.gov, where tax information, support and account management tools are available 24/7.
- Online account — An online account lets taxpayers securely access their personal tax information, including return transcripts, payment history, certain notices, prior-year adjusted gross income and power of attorney information. They can also pay their balance online or apply for a payment plan.
- Interactive Tax Assistant — Based on the taxpayer’s input, this tool provides answers to tax law questions specific to the taxpayer’s circumstances and doesn’t require a login. The system keeps provided information anonymous and discards all information when a taxpayer is done.
- Let Us Help You — This page provides support for common concerns, like how to understand and respond to a letter from the IRS, or how to amend a return. Taxpayers also can get help with identify theft or tax scam concerns, payment options, penalty issues and more.
- Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers — This tool allows individuals and businesses to search for tax preparers in their area who hold professional credentials recognized by the IRS.
- Where’s My Refund? — Using this tool, taxpayers can check the status of their refund within 24 hours after the IRS receives their e-filed return or four weeks after mailing a paper return.
- Forms, Instructions and Publications — This is a library of IRS forms, instructions and publications on virtually any tax topic, many available in multiple languages and accessible formats.
- Frequently Asked Questions and Answers — Here, taxpayers can get plain language answers to the most frequently asked questions on a variety of topics.
The IRS provides information and resources in many languages and enhanced services for people with disabilities. Taxpayers who need accessibility assistance can call 833-690-0598.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me or my office for assistance. You can give us a call at 401-729-5600 or email me at [email protected].
Updates from Rhode Island
$500K for Public Safety in Tiverton
Clear, efficient, reliable communication is the base of public safety, and it is especially important in a rural, coastal community like Tiverton. I’m proud to have worked with Senators Reed and Whitehouse to secure $500,000 in federal funds to enable Tiverton to upgrade its emergency communications system, which is over a quarter of a century old.
The new upgrades will mean that the Tiverton Police, Fire, EMS, and Public Works communications systems are integrated and have an interoperable radio communication network for town-wide public safety use – which is vital for efficient and effective communication during emergencies, especially severe weather events. This investment will help keep residents, visitors, and frontline personnel safe for years to come. I commend Chief Jones and the Town of Tiverton for undertaking this effort.
Kicking Off the 2023 Construction Season in Rhode Island
For decades, underinvestment in our infrastructure has left us with crumbling, unsafe roads and bridges and inefficient transportation systems. We’re finally turning that around thanks to President Biden’s leadership and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill – investments which we’re already seeing at work here in Rhode Island.
Thanks to this infusion of federal funding, RIDOT has accelerated approximately 100 projects in its 10-year plan, and we’ll be able to make real progress on 66 infrastructure projects in 2023.
I was thrilled to join with Governor McKee, RIDOT, my colleagues in the Congressional Delegation, and local leaders on Thursday to kick off the 2023 transportation construction season with the I-95 Resurfacing Project and am looking forward to seeing all we can accomplish this year.
Reflecting on My Time in Congress with The New England Council
Thank you to The New England Council for hosting another great Capitol Hill Report breakfast and the opportunity to reflect on my years of work in the people's house. It has been an honor of a lifetime to serve Rhode Island's 1st District.
Free COVID Tests Via the Postal Service
The Biden Administration announced yesterday that households can once again order free at-home COVID-19 tests though the Postal Service this winter. You can order your tests at CovidTests.gov or by calling 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
Important Passport & Travel Information
Due to unprecedented demand, the State Department has recently released updated processing times for passports. For passport applications submitted after March 24, 2023, routine processing time is 10 to 13 weeks and expedited processing is 7 to 9 weeks.
Before booking international travel, please remember to check the expiration date on your passport and plan accordingly. Passports last for 5 or 10 years, depending on your age when the passport was issued. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met.
You can learn more from the State Department here.
Congressional Art Competition
My office is now accepting submissions for the 2023 Congressional Art Competition.
The competition is open to high school students who live in Rhode Island’s First Congressional District. Students or teachers interested in participating should register by contacting André Herrera by email at [email protected] or by phone at 729-5600.
The deadline for submissions is 4:30pm on Friday, April 21, 2023.
My office will convene a panel to award first place, and the winner will have their artwork displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.
The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their constituents. Since then, more than 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition.
As always, I am here to serve you. If there is anything I can do, please call my office at 729-5600 or send me an email at [email protected].
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