Tax Filing Tips and Tricks

Last week was the start of tax filing season with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This can be a difficult process, especially since the pandemic has posed unique challenges, but I wanted to provide you with some tips to speed tax return processing and refund delivery.

Due to the IRS’s major backlog, it is recommended that you avoid paper tax returns as much as possible and file electronically as soon as you have what you need. Opting for direct deposit of your return should allow you to receive your refund in as little as 21 days. You may use your trusted tax professional or an e-file programthat helps users avoid mistakes by doing the math and guiding people through each section of their tax return in a question-and-answer format. You can find e-file program options here: https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options.

Also, it is more important than ever to make sure your tax return is correct before filing.For accuracy, make sure to collect all documents before preparing your tax return. If you received advanced payments for the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the pandemic-related Economic Impact Statement, or stimulus check, you must include those in addition to collecting the usual income-related statements like W-2s and Form 1099s.

Since phone demand on IRS assistance lines are at record highs, I advise using their online services to avoid lengthy delays. No wait time or appointments are needed, and the online resources are available 24 hours a day. You may get answers to tax questions, check a refund status, or pay taxes through IRS.gov.

There are also free resources available to help taxpayers file.IRS Free File, which can be found athttps://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free, lets any person or family earning $73,000 or less in 2021 prepare and file their federal income tax online using guided tax preparation. Qualified taxpayers can also find one-on-one tax preparation help through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.

The filing deadline is April 18. For more information on your Economic Impact Statement payments, Advance Child Tax credit payments, refunds, and other general information about filing your 2021 federal tax returns, please visit IRS.gov/getready.

This year, my caseworkers in our Oklahoma City office have been working tirelessly to help solve the uptick in IRS-related issues. I understand that delays and lack of response can be onerous for Americans, which is why I have signed two letters that address backlogs and preparation for the 2022 filing season. These letters have urged Commissioner Rettig and Secretary Yellen to take proactive steps to alleviate American taxpayers’ frustrations.

Additionally, I am drafting legislation that aims to get the IRS back on track through streamlining and improving the tax filing process for Americans. I look forward to continuing to gather input from residents of OK-05 to ensure I effectively address your needs.

As always, if you need help with the IRS or any other federal agency, please do not hesitate to contact my Oklahoma City office at (405) 300-6890. We are here to serve you.