Tax Filing Deadline
For all taxpayers except those who live in Maine and Massachusetts, the deadline for filing federal income taxes is April 18, 2022 instead of April 15. This is because of the Emancipation Day holiday in the District of Columbia. In Maine and Massachusetts, the federal tax deadline is April 19, 2022 due to the Patriots' Day holiday.
These deadlines do not apply to state and local tax returns. To make sure you file those on time, find out the tax filing due dates in your state. If you owe money and do not file and pay your taxes on time, you will be charged interest and a late payment penalty. If you will be getting a refund, there is no penalty for filing a late return.
File a Federal Income Tax Return
The IRS began accepting and processing federal tax returns on January 24, 2022. To get your tax return started, you'll first need to find out how much money you made in 2021. Then you'll need to decide whether to take the standard deduction or itemize your return. Finally, you'll need to submit everything by April 19, 2022, if you live in Maine or Massachusetts or April 18, 2022, for the rest of the country.
Steps to File a Tax Return
Gather your paperwork, including:
A W-2 form from each employer
Other earning and interest statements (1099 and 1099-INT forms)
Receipts for charitable donations and medical and business expenses if you are itemizing your return
Choose your filing status. Filing status is based on whether you're married. The percentage you pay toward household expenses also affects your filing status.
Decide how you want to file your taxes. The IRS recommends using tax preparation software to e-file for the easiest and most accurate returns.
Determine if you are taking the standard deduction or itemizing your return.
If you owe money, learn how to make a tax payment, including applying for a payment plan.
File your taxes by April 19, 2022, if you live in Maine or Massachusetts or April 18, 2022, for the rest of the country.
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