Here's how taxpayers can resolve common after-tax day issues

Here's how taxpayers can resolve common after-tax day issues:

April 25th 2022
Summary:

While this year's deadline to file and pay federal income taxes has passed for most people. Here are some tips for taxpayers handling some of the most common after-tax-day issues.

This year's deadline to file and pay federal income taxes has passed for most people. If a taxpayer is due a refund, there is no penalty for filing late. However, those who owe and missed the deadline without requesting an extension should file quickly to limit penalties and interest.

Here are some tips for taxpayers handling some of the most common after-tax-day issues.

Check refund status

Taxpayers can check on their refund using the Where's My Refund? tool. It is available on IRS.gov and the IRS2Go app. To use this tool, taxpayers need their Social Security number or ITIN, tax filing status and the exact amount of the refund claimed on their tax return. The tool updates once daily, so there's no need to check more often. Taxpayers without access to a computer can call 800-829-1954.

Check withholding

All taxpayers are encouraged to check their withholding using the Tax Withholding Estimator on IRS.gov. This will help them make sure their employers are withholding the right amount of tax from their paychecks. Doing this now will help avoid an unexpected amount due and possibly a penalty when they prepare and file their taxes next year.

Taxpayers can use the results from the Estimator to help complete a new Form W-4 and adjust their income tax withholding with their employer. Taxpayers who receive pension income can use the results to complete a Form W-4P and submit to their payer.

Review payment options

Taxpayers who owe taxes can review all payment options online . These include:

Carefully consider if they need to amend a tax return

After filing their tax return, taxpayers may find they made an error or forgot to enter something on it. The IRS strongly recommends taxpayers use the Interactive Tax Assistant, Should I File an Amended Return? to help determine if they should correct an error or make other changes to the tax return they already filed.

Common errors taxpayers should fix are those made about filing status, income, deductions, and credits. Taxpayers usually do not need to file an amended return to fix a math error or if they forgot to attach a form or schedule. Normally, the IRS will correct the math error and notify the taxpayer by mail. Similarly, the agency will send a letter requesting any missing forms or schedules.

Taxpayers expecting a refund should not file an amended return before their original return has been processed

The IRS issues most refunds in fewer than 21 days for taxpayers who filed electronically and chose direct deposit. However, some returns have errors or need more review and may take longer to process.

Things that can delay a refund:

The IRS will contact taxpayers by mail if it needs more information to process their return.

IRS
About The Author:

The mission of the IRS is to provide America's taxpayers top quality service by helping them understand and meet their tax responsibilities and enforce the law with integrity and fairness to all.

This mission statement describes our role and the public’s expectation about how we should perform that role.

  • In the United States, the Congress passes tax laws and requires taxpayers to comply.
  • The taxpayer’s role is to understand and meet his or her tax obligations.
  • The IRS role is to help the large majority of compliant taxpayers with the tax law, while ensuring that the minority who are unwilling to comply pay their fair share.

Address, Main Office

Internal Revenue Service 1111 Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC 20224

Contributing since February 17th 2022.