Submitted by Rebecca Drago, Press Secretary of Senator Murphy.
As you may know, the tax season in 2022 opens on January 24 and the deadline to file is April 18. Reports indicate that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) closed last filing season with more than 35 million unprocessed returns. The Treasury Department has warned that many filers should expect delays to refunds. As such, Senator Murphy’s office has been working hard every day liaising with the IRS in helping Connecticut constituents receive unprocessed 2019 and 2020 tax returns.
Congress is working hand-in-hand with President Biden to provide robust funding for the IRS so that it can process the backlog of tax returns, provide customer service expected of the Federal Government, and prepare for the tax season in 2022 and beyond. As a Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murphy takes this task of funding the federal government and the IRS seriously.
What does this mean for you? This means that filing your 2021 taxes early and accurately is more important than ever. While our office cannot provide financial or legal advice, we wanted to provide a few important dates and helpful tips from the IRS so that you and your family can begin to prepare.
Important Dates:
- January 14: IRS Free File Taxpayers can begin filing returns through IRS Free File partners; tax returns will be transmitted to the IRS starting January 24th. Tax software companies also are accepting tax filings in advance.
- January 24: Tax filing season begins and individual 2021 tax returns will begin being accepted and processing begins.
- April 18: Tax deadline (must file a return or a request for an extension).
Helpful Tips from the IRS:
- File a complete and accurate return electronically when ready and choose direct deposit for the quickest refund.
- Don’t wait to file. You can file as early as possible on or after January 24.
- Report the proper amount of any Economic Impact Payments (aka stimulus checks) and advance Child Tax Credit.
- The IRS has a variety of free options available to help taxpayers, ranging from free assistance at VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly locations across the country to the availability of the IRS Free File
- A location finder for VITA offices is here: https://irs.treasury.
gov/freetaxprep/ - Even if you are still awaiting processing of previous tax returns, you can still file 2021 returns.
