IRS Tax Refund 2022 Updates: Frequently asked questions and answers

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Guidance

With tax-filing season already underway, taxpayers in the USA can start filing their taxes for the 2021 tax year. For many Americans, tax returns this year might be more complex due to the COVID-19 pandemic, stimulus payments, child tax credits and more. To avoid errors and meet all IRS deadlines, here is some important information that you need to keep in mind when you'll be paid your tax refund in 2022.

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Taxpayers should pay special attention to several important dates in order to receive their tax refunds as early as possible.

  • January 14: IRS Free File opens. Taxpayers can start filing returns through Free File partners and tax returns will be submitted to the IRS starting from January 24.
  • January 24: IRS begins 2022 tax season. Individual 2021 tax returns begin being accepted and processing begins.
  • April 18: Deadline to file 2021 tax returns or request a six-month extension for most Americans.
  • April 19: Deadline to file 2021 tax return for taxpayers who live in Maine or Massachusetts.
  • October 17: Deadline to file 2021 tax return for those who request a six-month extension.

In general, most Americans who are expecting an income tax refund can receive it by direct deposit in as little as 2-3 weeks. Yet it can take longer during the peak of the filing season, which starts in late March. There are several factors that can determine when a tax refund will be received by a taxpayer, including: how early the taxes are filed, whether the return is e-filed or mailed, whether the taxpayer is claiming certain credits (especially EITC and CTC) and more.

Although the Federal income tax returns are due April 18, 2022 for most taxpayers, it's still a good option to get ready for the tax-filing season ahead to avoid delays in the processing and issuing of refunds. There are several tips for getting tax refunds faster than normal:

  • File your taxes as soon as you can through an online service. For those who are eligible for a tax refund, filing earlier could mean that the tax rebate will be paid quicker.
  • File electronically. Taxpayers are encouraged to file electronically once they have all the information they need to complete an accurate return. Most refunds are issued in less than 21 days when the entire process is done electronically.
  • Get a refund via direct deposit. The fastest way to receive a tax refund is to use the combination of e-filing with direct deposit, which sends your tax refund directly to your bank or online bank account.
  • Make sure the return has no errors in it. Your income tax refund might be delayed if It's incomplete or has some errors.

Taxpayers can check their tax refund status within 24 hours after the IRS has received their e-filed return or 4 weeks after they’ve mailed a paper return. To find out if the IRS received your tax return and check the status of your refund, taxpayers should provide some personal information, including social security number, filing status, and the exact whole dollar amount of the refund.

Whether you owe taxes or you're expecting a refund, you can check the status of your tax refund by:

  • Using the IRS2Go app. One of the best ways to receive an update on the tax return's status is to check it on the IRS2Go app. You will be able to see if your return has been received, approved and sent after logging in.
  • Using Where’s My Refund tool: You can check the e-file status of your federal tax return with the online Where’s My Refund tool. Just go to the Get Refund Status page, enter your personal data, and you'll be taken to a page that shows your refund status.
  • Calling the IRS TeleTax System at 800-829-4477 or the IRS Refund Hotline at 800-829-1954.

No, none of the stimulus checks are considered taxable income according to the IRS. Therefore, stimulus checks should not be included in your taxable income on your 2021 Federal income tax return.

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