IR-2022-137, July 13, 2022
WASHINGTON — With millions of people still waiting to file their tax returns, the IRS reminds them to file as soon as possible and take advantage of special tools available on IRS.gov that can help them file.
Summer may be a busy time for many, but it’s a great time to start tax planning – whether you still need to file a 2021 tax return or start planning for next year’s tax season. The IRS website is the fastest and most convenient way to get tax-related information and help. The online tools are available any time, so taxpayers can use them at their convenience.
Here are some important reasons for taxpayers to visit IRS.gov this summer.
Get tax information 24/7
Taxpayers can use IRS.gov to:
- View the filing page to get information on most federal income tax topics.
- Access the Interactive Tax Assistant tool for answers to many tax law questions.
- Sign into their individual IRS online account to view their balance an tax records, manage communication preferences, make payments and more.
- Find the most up-to-date information about their tax refunds using the Where’s My Refund? tool. Taxpayers can check the status of their refund 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of an e-filed return.
Taxpayers can also download the official IRS mobile app, IRS2Go, to check their refund status, make payments, find free tax preparation assistance, sign up for helpful tax tips and more.
Adjust withholding now to avoid tax surprises next year
Summer is a great time for taxpayers to check their withholding to avoid a tax surprise next filing season. Life events like marriage, divorce, having a child or a change in income can affect taxes.
The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator on IRS.gov helps employees assess their income tax, credits, adjustments and deductions, and determine whether they need to change their withholding. If a change is recommended, the estimator will provide instructions to update their withholding with their employer either online or by submitting a new Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate.
File electronically
Taxpayers who requested an extension to October 17 or missed the April 18 deadline can still prepare and e-file returns for free with IRS Free File, if they qualify. The IRS accepts electronically filed returns 24/7. There’s no reason to wait until October 17 if filers have all the information and documentation they need to file an accurate return today. They can get their refund faster by choosing direct deposit.
Taxpayers who missed the April 18 deadline and owe should file and pay electronically as soon as possible to reduce penalties and interest. Taxpayers can make payments or set up payment plans online.
Find a taxpayer assistance center
The Taxpayer Assistance Center Locator tool has a new look and feel, featuring a dynamic map, a directions button and two tabs for inputting search criteria. It’s important to remember that Taxpayer Assistance Centers operate by appointment only. Taxpayers can make an appointment by calling the number for the office they want to visit.
Read information in other languages
Many IRS webpages are now available in Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Korean, Haitian Creole and Chinese. Some of the multilingual resources include the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, e-file resources and many tax forms and publications.
Access the Alternative Media Center
At the online Alternative Media Center (AMC), taxpayers will find a variety of accessible products to help with the use of assistive technology such as screen reading software, refreshable Braille displays and screen magnifying software. These products include tax forms, instructions and publications that can be downloaded or viewed online as Section 508 compliant PDFs, HTML, eBraille, text and large print.
Please note that every product is not available in all formats. For example, tax forms are not available as HTML. To request paper copies of tax forms or instructions or publications in Braille or large print, taxpayers can call the tax form telephone number at 800-829-3676. Taxpayers can complete Form 9000, Alternative Media PreferencePDF, to choose to receive their IRS tax notices in Braille, large print, audio or electronic formats. This includes notices about additional taxes or penalties owed. Taxpayers can include the completed form with their tax return, mail it as a standalone form to the IRS or they can call 800-829-1040.
Keep current with IRS Tax Tips
Taxpayers can subscribe to IRS Tax Tips to get easy-to-read articles sent directly to their e-mail from the IRS. Tax Tips are brief, to the point and cover various tax topics, like year-round tax planning and understanding taxpayer rights.