Tax season is now here, and in just a couple of weeks the IRS will start taking tax returns.
While they’re accepting 2021 returns beginning Jan. 24, 2022, they’re still processing 2020 returns from 2021.
There are around 6 million unprocessed 2020 tax returns still needing attention from the IRS.
This means the upcoming season is likely to be frustrating, so it’s best to do what you can to give your refund a fighting chance at being sent on time.
Child tax credit will delay refunds in 2022
Here are 5 things to do that will help your tax refund arrive on time from the IRS
Don’t throw away letters sent from the IRS
There are two letters going out to millions of Americans from the IRS with very important details in them.
First is the Letter 6419, which has details surround how much parents were sent for their child tax credit payments.
The second letter is Letter 6475, which details what you were sent for your third stimulus check.
These numbers are important to get accurate on your tax return.
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Accuracy
If you don’t get your return accurate the first time before sending it in, you’ll likely experience a delay.
This is especially important for anyone claiming the recovery rebate credit.
Your W-2 forms will also provide accuracy for reporting your wages.
Don’t file paper returns
The easiest way to avoid delay is by filing electronically.
You’ll avoid the chance of your return getting lost in the mail and skip the wait time for postal service altogether.
The IRS will likely process your return quicker, issuing you a refund sooner.
Last year there were 10 million paper tax returns filed.
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Choose direct deposit instead of a paper check
If you choose direct deposit, the money will appear directly in your bank account without you needing to do anything.
You’ll also skip waiting for a paper check to arrive in the mail along with a trip to the bank.
It’s cheaper to choose direct deposit than paper checks as well.
Pay a professional who knows what they’re doing
Sometimes tax returns can be tricky.
If you’ve struggled with doing your own taxes in the past then it may be best to pay someone else to do it.
Be sure to provide your tax preparer with all the proper documents for the year.
This can also help those who worry that they may be giving the IRS inaccurate information unintentionally.
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