Dear Friend,

Tax filing season has arrived! I wanted to share some helpful information and answers to frequently asked questions to help make this year’s process a smooth one:

When can I start filing my taxes?

You can file right now! The 2023 filing season opened on January 23 and will close on April 18, 2023. 

Can I file now, even if my 2021 return has not yet been processed? 

Yes, taxpayers do not need to wait until their 2021 return is processed to file their 2022 return. 

Is there anything I can do to ensure a smooth filing process? 

• File early, file electronically, and choose direct deposit.
• If your income is below $73,000 and your taxes are not complicated, IRS Free File lets you prepare and file your federal income tax online using guided tax preparation products provided for free by IRS partners. It's safe, easy and no cost to you for a federal return.
• Use trusted tax professionals, assistance, or software. You can get help choosing a tax professional here.
• Avoid common errors like entering amounts or information inaccurately, math mistakes, or incorrect filing status.
• Claim any Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), and other refundable credits on your return.

What resources are available to help me file my taxes?

• The IRS’s Interactive Tax Assistant can provide answers to tax law questions specific to your individual circumstances, such as if you have to file a tax return, your filing status, if you can claim a dependent, if the type of income you have is taxable, if you're eligible to claim a credit, or if you can deduct expenses.
• The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals by volunteers.
• Once you’ve filed, you can check Where's My Refund? for your refund status within 24 hours after the IRS accepts your e-filed tax return.

How do I get in contact with the IRS for assistance? 

If you need telephone assistance from the IRS, call 1-800-829-1040. You can also contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent organization within the IRS that has helpful resources for taxpayers, at 1-877-777-4778. Please note, the pandemic has affected operations, workload, and staffing, leading to high requests for telephone assistance. 

As always, my office is here to help constituents navigate any issues working with federal agencies, including the IRS. Do not hesitate to reach out by calling one of the numbers below.

Sincerely,

Bill Foster
Member of Congress