   
Dear Neighbor,
Now that the 2023 tax filing season is upon us, I’m happy to answer some common questions about tax filing and the IRS, including questions about timing, credits, rebates and more. I know that filing your taxes might seem intimidating, but there are resources and guidance available that can help make tax filing more straightforward and manageable. I hope you’ll review my 2023 Tax Season FAQ guide below and join my office's IRS Information Session with a special guest from the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service Office on March 13, 2023 at 2:00 PM.
REGISTER FOR MY VIRTUAL IRS INFORMATION SESSION WITH THE SPECIAL GUEST FROM THE IRS TAXPAYER ADVOCATE SERVICE OFFICE ON MARCH 13 at 2:00 pm ET and submit your questions here or with the button below.
Please note: the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service Office will only be able to answer questions sent in advance of the event. Please submit your questions at the registration link.
When is the deadline to file my taxes?
Most taxpayers have until Tuesday, April 18, 2023 to submit their tax returns or to submit an extension to file. If you request an extension, you’ll have until Monday, October 16, 2023 to file (but remember to request the extension!).
Where can I file my taxes?
Montgomery County offers free tax preparation services for low- to moderate-income county residents. Households earning $58,000 or less can make in-person and virtual appointments here. For those outside of Montgomery County, you can find tax help services with this locator from the IRS.
If you cannot file electronically, you may mail in a paper Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. Please note that addresses vary based on your circumstances, and that you can find the right one for you at the IRS website here.
Can I do anything to get my return as soon as possible?
Yes! To streamline the process, the IRS encourages you to file electronically as early as you can and opt for direct deposit if you are receiving a return. This will help avoid any processing delays and ensure you receive your return in a timely fashion.
Do I qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)?
The EITC can reduce the taxes you owe, and potentially increase your refund. Low- to moderate-income Americans may qualify for the EITC, and you can find out if that includes you with this tool on the IRS website. Some tax credits including the Child Tax Credit (CTC), Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child and Dependent Care Credit are returning to 2019 levels, so you may receive a smaller refund compared to the previous tax year. Visit Credits and Deductions for more details.
Do I qualify for the Premium Tax Credit?
For tax year 2022, taxpayers may still qualify for the temporarily expanded eligibility for the premium tax credit. The PTC is a refundable credit that helps eligible individuals and families cover the premiums for their health insurance purchases through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
I bought an electric vehicle or installed solar panels in my home. Can I get rebates and tax credits to help me cover the costs?
Yes! You may qualify for new rebates and/or tax credits thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. Democrats want to make it easier for you to make clean energy choices like purchasing an electric vehicle, installing solar panels, weatherizing your home and more. Check out the Savings Calculator from the nonprofit Rewiring America to see what new tax opportunities you qualify for under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Why are there delays with my return?
The IRS’s budget from 2010 to 2022 was cut by nearly 20%, even as the number of individual tax returns for the agency to process increased by 19%. The COVID-19 pandemic hit the IRS hard, with office closures and staffing issues creating a backlog of returns. The Inflation Reduction Act provided much-needed resources for the IRS to decrease this backlog, hire 5,000 new customer service staff to answer taxpayers’ questions, deliver high-quality customer service, modernize IRS technology, and strengthen the public’s trust in the IRS.
The IRS cautions not to rely on receiving your 2022 federal tax return by a certain date when making purchases or paying bills. Although most returns are processed within 21 days, others may require additional review.
Where can I find more detailed information about the 2023 filing season?
The IRS website is a great resource for all things taxes. In particular, its Interactive Tax Assistant can answer more of your questions, helping you find out how much your standard deduction is, determine whether or not you can claim dependents, discover what tax credits you may qualify for and more. If your return is not processed within five months from the date of filing, please contact my district office for further assistance.
Please know that my district office stands ready to help you communicate with the IRS, should any problems with your return arise. To get help with the IRS or any other federal agency, please fill out the online request form at my website, and my district office will be in touch.
All Best,
Jamie Raskin
This mailbox cannot receive replies. To email me, please click here.
|
