Is the 2022 tax season going to be normal? According to tax attorney Ken Berry, it is unlikely that everything will be the same in Spring 2022 as it was in 2019 or earlier.
Covid-19 will remain a worry, some stimulus tax provisions will continue to provide difficulties for some filers, and new tax regulations may very well be enacted between now and then that adds additional complexity.
However, the income tax filing process will likely be more routine than it was in 2020 or 2021 when filing deadlines were extended owing to IRS office closures, tax court closures, and IRS and tax company staff unfamiliar with remote work.
That is, be prepared to file your taxes (or request an automatic extension) by Monday, April 18, 2022. (However, why not April 15? Day of Emancipation.) The good news is that the filing of federal and state income tax forms should resume normalcy as well.
Depending on when a taxpayer files, they can frequently receive their tax return in as little as 2-3 weeks (by check or direct transfer).
Historically (pre-Covid), the IRS began taking tax returns in the final week of January. However, if significant new tax legislation is implemented at the end of the year, the start of tax season may be delayed by a week or two.
Thus, early filers who are due a refund can frequently expect to get it as early as mid-to-late February. However, taxpayers who claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit typically have their refunds delayed by approximately one month while the IRS verifies their credit eligibility.
Although the Covid-19 pandemic had a substantial influence on the previous two tax filing seasons, and the IRS extended both deadlines, the IRS is not likely to extend the tax filing deadline in 2022.
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The chart below illustrates a projected timeframe for when a taxpayer would likely get their refund, based on current information and forecasts from previous years – and depending on when a taxpayer submits their return.
If your IRS income tax refund is delayed after you file, contact your tax professional or visit the IRS website’s “Where’s My Refund?” option. Alternatively, you can download the IRS2Go app to monitor the status of your return.
The majority of Americans who expect an income tax refund receive it via direct deposit within two weeks, although this can take longer during the filing season’s peak in late March.
Thus, it is prudent to electronically file your tax return as soon as you have gathered all of your tax documentation (like your W2, 1099s, mortgage and student loan interest, and other items).
Numerous factors can influence when a taxpayer receives their tax return, including the following:
- When they file
- If a taxpayer elects to claim certain credits (especially EITC and CTC)
- Whether the return is electronically submitted or mailed
- Whether the taxpayer owes money to the federal government already
- Your income tax refund will not be affected by the Covid stimulus payments made earlier this year. (However, certain taxpayers who did not receive one may be owed one, in which case they may be eligible to have it included as a credit on their 2022 refund. Consult your tax advisor.)
The IRS will postpone processing an income tax return by 2-3 weeks if it includes the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC), as these credits are frequently misused. The additional period provides the IRS with an opportunity to verify that taxpayers qualify for the credits.
Thus, here is the chart you sought. We will update this table if the IRS alters the tax season this year. Additionally, keep in mind that this is an estimate of when you should get your refund. It is not precise, as each taxpayer’s return and circumstances are unique.
* = The IRS may delay the start of tax season by up to a week.
** = Refunds for returns that include EITC or CTC may be delayed until March to verify credits.
*** = Filing during high season may result in a little delay in processing.
IMPORTANT: If you file electronically (via an online tax program or preparer), the IRS will notify you of the date on which your return was “approved.” This happens frequently 1-3 days after you click the “file” or “submit” button, and it is this date that you must enter in the table above.
Taxpayers who mail a paper version of their income tax returns can anticipate a minimum of a three- to four-week wait at the front end of the process since someone must manually enter the returns into the IRS system prior to being processed.
Hire a Professional to Ensure Your Safety
Taxpayers who work with a professional, such as a CPA or an EA, can inquire about the projected date of their tax refund and can rest assured that their taxes have been filed properly (and lawfully).
Additionally, there are refund tracking apps for Apple, Android, and other smartphones.
Other Remarks: According to the IRS, refunds are processed and payments are issued within 21 days. However, for paper filers, this process can take far longer. Electronic filing is strongly encouraged by the IRS and tax specialists.
What if You Are unable to File Your Taxes by April 15?
Individuals who lack the necessary documentation to file their taxes can easily file an extension form, “Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File United States Individual Income Tax Return.”
This provides the taxpayer with an extension of time until October 15 to file their tax return. There is no explanation or justification required to acquire this extension, and as the term indicates, it is issued automatically.
However, if an individual is owing taxes, they are still required to pay them by April 15, regardless of whether they requested an extension to file. This is something that a professional can assist you with.
Generally, those due for a refund simply need to file an extension request by April 15. This task is capable of being performed by any tax professional or the majority of do-it-yourself tax solutions.