Provided by Rep. Jennifer Wexton’s Office
With tax season now underway, here are some tips and resources that can help you prepare to file your taxes this year.
Important Dates and DeadlinesNOW: IRS tax filing seasonApril 18: Deadline to file 2021 tax returnOctober 17: Deadline to file if requesting an extension
Remember: filing early and online is the best way to get your return in a timely fashion!
When preparing to file:
Have your personal information and tax records readyAs you begin the filing process, be sure to have the necessary information handy – including your Social Security or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, income documents like a W-2 or 1099 form, and a copy of last year’s tax return.
Taking advantage of tax credits:
Below is information about tax credits in 2021 that you may be eligible to receive benefits from:
Expanded Child Tax Credit
This expanded credit that we passed as part of the American Rescue Plan has already delivered tax cuts to tens of thousands of families in our district. Find out if you’re eligible here. The Child Tax Credit is fully refundable for 2021, so eligible families can receive the full amount of the credit regardless of earned income or tax liability.
If you received advanced monthly payments of the CTC this past year, you will need to reconcile your advance payments with the total amount of the credit you’re eligible for in 2021. Find out how to do that here – and find answers to frequently asked questions here.
Earned Income Tax Credit
This credit helps workers and families below a certain income threshold get additional relief on their taxes. Find out how much you could qualify for and how to claim the credit here.
Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit
If you have qualifying expenses related to childcare or dependent care from this past year, you may be eligible for this expanded tax credit that we passed in the American Rescue Plan to deliver additional tax relief for families during the COVID pandemic.
Find out more about the improvements we made and what you need to do to claim the credit on your tax filings here.
Recovery Rebate Credit
Were you eligible for a COVID stimulus check but never received your payment or were issued a wrong amount? You may be able to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit to get the money that you’re owed. Find out more about how to claim the credit here.
CHECKLIST: A helpful checklist of documents and other materials you may need as you file can be found here.
Resources available to help you file:
There are a number of free federal resources that can help you better understand the tax filing process and even let you prepare and file your taxes. Here are a few:
- IRS Online Account – allows you to access tax records and make payments
- Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications – helps you find qualified tax preparers in your area
- Free File – lets you prepare and file your federal tax returns on your own using guided tax preparation
- Where’s My Refund? – enables you to track the status of your refund
- MilTax – a free tax resource available to members of the armed forces and some veterans
Additional tax prep resources and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at irs.gov/filing.
Rep. Wexton’s office is available as a resource if you encounter issues with the IRS during your filing process. They may not be able to immediately resolve every issue, but will do their best to direct you to the help that you need.
