Hi John,

Tax season is here, and I’m writing to make sure you have all the resources you need. Whether you’re still working on filing your taxes or you've already filed them, read on for important information. Remember, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Minnesota Department of Revenue filing deadline is April 18, 2023. Last year, the average tax refund was more than $3,000, so don’t delay! 

Before you file, get answers to the most common tax questions here.

Six Steps for a Successful Filing Season

1. Collect all documents before preparing a tax return: In addition to W-2s, Form 1099s, and other income-related statements, make sure you have your advance Child Tax Credit Letter 6419 and Economic Impact Payment (stimulus check) Letter 6475 on hand when filing. If a return includes errors or is incomplete, it may require further review and slow your tax refund. 

2. Use e-file and direct deposit: Once you’ve gathered everything you need to file an accurate return e-file software does the math for you and guides you through each section of your tax return using a question-and-answer format. The IRS anticipates most taxpayers who choose direct deposit will receive their refund within 21 days of filing electronically.   

3. Use online resources before calling the IRS: Wait times on IRS assistance lines remain at record highs. To avoid lengthy delays, 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.

To learn about the measures taken to process your return and issue your refund, watch the day in the life of a tax return here.

4. Track Your Refund: You can track the status of your refund by using the Where’s My Refund? system. This tool allows you to learn which of the four stages your refund is in and if you need to take any action. When your return is finished, you will then see the date it was sent.  

5. Claim tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act: The IRS is working on implementing the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This major legislation will affect individuals, businesses, tax exempt and government entities.  

1. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) allows a maximum credit of $7,500 per vehicle, consisting of $3,750 in the case of a vehicle that meets certain requirements relating to critical minerals and $3,750 in the case of a vehicle that meets certain requirements relating to battery components.
2. For improvements installed in 2022 or earlier: Use previous versions of Form 5695. Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, the credit equals 30% of certain qualified expenses, including:
   1. Qualified energy efficiency improvements installed during the year
   2. Residential energy property expenses
   3. Home energy audits
3. Click here for a full list of tax credits.

6. Fraud Prevention: The Minnesota Department of Revenue reviews and verifies information on all tax returns to make sure the right refund goes to the right person. Do not spend your refund until you get your check or see the money in your bank account. To learn more about identity theft, see the Identity Theft and Tax Refund Fraud page here.

                                Waiting on a Previous Return? 

In order to validate and successfully file an electronic tax return to the IRS, taxpayers need their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from their most recent tax return. Taxpayers who are still waiting for their 2021 tax return to be processed should enter $0 (zero dollars) for last year’s AGI on their 2022 tax return. All other taxpayers should enter their prior year’s AGI from last year’s return. 

Did you know that you still may be able to claim a refund from up to three years ago? If you weren’t required to file a return in a prior year, you may still be owed a refund. Many people lose out on refunds because they didn’t know they could claim them. If you or someone you know is in this situation, you may still be able to file and not incur a penalty. Click here to learn more.

Additional Assistance

Free resources are available to help taxpayers file: You may be able to file your taxes for free at  www.irs.gov/freefile. The IRS Free File program offers online tax preparation, direct deposit of refunds, and electronic filing at no cost to taxpayers who had an adjusted gross income of $73,000 or less in 2021. Qualified taxpayers can also find free one-on-one tax preparation help around the nation through  the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.

•   Contact the IRS:
  
  • Individuals filing taxes should call 800-829-1040
  • Interactive Tax Assistant
  • The IRS also maintains a list of frequently asked questions and answers that may be able to help you at www.irs.gov/faq.
  • All taxpayers are entitled to certain rights. If you believe you’re being treated unfairly, learn more about your rights here.

• Contact Minnesota Department of Revenue
  • Call at (651) 556-3000
  • Email [email protected]

If you’re still not getting the answers you need, my team may be able to assist. If you are still having issues with the IRS after following the guidelines above, please call my Minnetonka office at (952) 656-5176

Unfortunately, our office cannot assist with the MN Department of Revenue because it is a state agency. To ensure you get the help you need, I recommend reaching out to your state representative, who you can find here.

Keep the faith and keep in touch,

Dean Phillips
Member of Congress

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