Notice 2022-15 provides relief for the third and fourth calendar quarters of 2022, and the first calendar quarter of 2023, regarding the failure to deposit penalties imposed by section 6656 of the Code as those penalties relate to the Superfund chemical taxes.  This notice also provides that during the first, second, and third calendar quarters of 2023, the Internal Revenue Service will not withdraw a taxpayer’s right to use the deposit safe harbor rules of § 40.6302(c)-1(b)(2) of the Excise Tax Procedural Regulations for failure to make required deposits of Superfund chemical taxes if certain requirements are met.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Public Law 117-58, 135 Stat. 429 (November 15, 2021), reinstates the excise taxes imposed by sections 4661 and 4671 of the Internal Revenue Code (the Superfund chemical taxes), effective July 1, 2022. 

This notice will be published in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2022-18 on May 2, 2022.

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers the deadline to file and pay tax owed for most individual income tax returns is Monday, April 18. The agency wants last-minute filers to know tax help is available to file a tax return, request an extension or make a payment, 24 hours a day on IRS.gov.

The IRS encourages taxpayers to file electronically because tax software does the calculations, flags common errors and reduces tax return errors by prompting taxpayers for missing information. The fastest way to receive a refund is to file electronically and use direct deposit.

IRS Free File is available to any person or family with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $73,000 or less in 2021. Leading tax software providers make their online products available for free. Taxpayers can use IRS Free File to claim the remaining amount of their Child Tax Credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit and other important credits. IRS Free File Fillable Forms is available to anyone who is comfortable preparing their own tax return - so there is a free option for everyone.

Online Account provides information to help file an accurate return, including Advance Child Tax Credit and Economic Impact Payment amounts, Adjusted Gross Income amounts from last year’s tax return, estimated tax payment amounts and refunds applied as a credit.

Get a 6-month extension to file
The IRS estimates 15 million taxpayers will request an extension of time to file and the easiest way to request an extension to file is using IRS Free File. In a matter of minutes, anyone can request an extension until October 17, using Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. An extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay, however, and taxpayers must estimate their tax liability on this form and pay any amount due by the April 18 filing deadline to avoid penalties and interest.

Taxpayers can also request more time by paying all or part of their estimated income tax due and indicate that the payment is for an extension. They can do this using Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or a debit, credit card or digital wallet. This way they don’t have to file a separate extension form and will receive a confirmation number for their records.

IRS Form 4868 can also be downloaded from IRS.gov/forms, completed and addressed to the correct IRS office, and must be postmarked by the filing deadline.

Who automatically has more time to file?
The IRS automatically provides filing and penalty relief to any taxpayer with an IRS address of record located in areas covered by Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster declarations. Deadlines to file tax returns and make tax payments are extended for affected taxpayers in certain areas of Arkansas, Colorado, Kentucky and Tennessee until May 16, 2022, and for Puerto Rico until June 15, 2022. For details on all available relief, visit the Around the Nation page on IRS.gov.

Special rules may apply for some military personnel serving in a combat zone or a qualified hazardous duty area. This also applies to individuals serving in the combat zone in support of the U.S. Armed Forces. A complete list of designated combat zone localities can be found in Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide, available on IRS.gov. U.S. citizens and resident aliens living outside the United States have until June 15, 2022, to file their 2021 tax returns and pay any tax due.

$1.5 billion in unclaimed 2018 refunds
The IRS estimates 1.5 million taxpayers did not file a 2018 tax return to claim tax refunds worth more than $1.5 billion. The three-year window of opportunity to claim a 2018 tax refund closes April 18, 2022, for most taxpayers. If they do not file a 2018 tax return by April 18, 2022, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury. The law requires taxpayers to properly address, mail and ensure the 2018 tax return is postmarked by that date.

Other April 18 deadlines
April 18 is also the deadline to make 2021 contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs). Contributions can be made to a traditional or Roth IRA until the filing due date, April 18, but must be designated for 2021 to the financial institution. For more information, see Retirement Plans FAQs Regarding IRAs or Publication 590-A, Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs).

Employment taxes are due April 18 for household employees including housekeepers, maids, babysitters, gardeners and others who work in or around a private residence as an employee if they were paid $2,300. For more information, see Publication 926, Household Employer's Tax Guide.

The deadline to submit 2021 tax returns or an extension to file and pay tax owed this year falls on April 18, instead of April 15, because of the Emancipation Day holiday in the District of Columbia. Taxpayers in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 19, 2022, to file their returns due to the Patriots' Day holiday in those states.

The first quarter estimated tax payment for 2022 is also due on April 18. Taxpayers are encouraged to check their withholding for 2022 after they’ve filed their 2021 tax return. It can protect against having too little tax withheld and facing an unexpected tax bill or penalty at tax time next year. It can also help taxpayers adjust their tax withheld up front, so taxpayers receive a bigger paycheck and smaller refund at tax time.

IRS YouTube Videos:
Help for Taxpayers – English | Spanish | ASL

WASHINGTON — Today’s Internal Revenue Service website provides millions with the tax solutions they need 24 hours a day and eliminates unnecessary calls or trips to an IRS office. On IRS.gov, waiting in line is never a problem and there’s no appointment needed.

The many online tools and resources range from tax preparation and refund tracking to tax law research tools like the Interactive Tax Assistant and answers for Frequently Asked Questions on dozens of subjects.

File taxes, view accounts, make payments – all online!

Taxpayers can use the “File” tab on the IRS.gov home page for most federal income tax needs. The IRS Free File program offers 70% of all taxpayers the choice of several brand-name tax preparation software packages to use at no cost. Those who earned less than $73,000 in 2021 can choose which package is best for them. Some even offer free state tax return preparation.

To see their tax account, taxpayers can use the View Your Account tool. They'll find information such as a payoff amount, the balance for each tax year owed, up to 24 months of their payment history and key information from their current tax year return as originally filed.

Taxpayers can find the most up-to-date information about tax refunds using the "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov and on the official IRS mobile app, IRS2Go. Within 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of an e-filed return taxpayers can start checking on the status of their refund.

Those who owe can use IRS Direct Pay to pay taxes for the Form 1040 series, estimated taxes or other associated forms directly from a checking or savings account at no cost.

Taxpayers can also use the Get Transcript tool to view, print or download their tax transcripts after the IRS processes their return or payment.

File complete and accurate returns to avoid processing delays

To avoid situations that can slow a refund, taxpayers should be careful to file a complete and accurate tax return. If a return includes errors or is incomplete, it may require further review.

Taxpayers should be sure to have all their year-end statements in hand before filing a return. This includes Forms W-2 from employers, Form 1099-G from state unemployment offices, Forms 1099 from banks and other payers, and Form 1095-A from the Health Insurance Marketplace for those claiming the Premium Tax Credit.

Individuals should refer to Letter 6419 for advance Child Tax Credit payments and Letter 6475 for third Economic Impact Payment amounts they received– or their Online Account – to prepare a correct tax return. Claiming incorrect tax credit amounts can not only delay IRS processing, but can also lead to adjusted refund amounts.

Assistive technology options

At the online Alternative Media Center (AMC), taxpayers will find a variety of accessible products like 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 PDF, 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 documents.

Prevent fraud with an Identity Protection PIN

An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number that prevents someone from filing a tax return using another taxpayer's Social Security number. The IP PIN is known only to the real taxpayer and the IRS and helps the IRS verify the taxpayer's identity when they file their electronic or paper tax return.

Starting in 2021, any taxpayer who can verify their identity can voluntarily opt into the IP PIN program. See Get an IP PIN for details and to access the online tool. There are options for those who cannot verify their identities online.

Find free, local tax preparation

The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program has operated for over 50 years. It offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals:

The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program also offers free tax help for taxpayers, particularly those age 60 and older.

The VITA/TCE Site Locator can help eligible taxpayers find the nearest community-based site staffed by IRS-trained and certified volunteers. Demand is high for this service so taxpayers may experience longer wait times for appointments. Taxpayers can use the locator tool to find an available site near them. It’s updated throughout the tax season, so individuals should check back if they don't see a nearby site listed.

And MilTax, Military OneSource’s tax service, offers online software for eligible military members, veterans and their families to electronically file a federal return and up to three state returns for free.

Adjust withholding now to avoid tax surprises next year

Now is a perfect time for taxpayers to check their withholding and avoid a tax surprise next filing season. Life events like marriage, divorce, having a child or a change in income can all impact taxes.

The Withholding Estimator on IRS.gov helps employees assess their income tax, credits, adjustments and deductions, and determine whether they need to change their withholding by submitting a new Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate. Taxpayers should remember that, if needed, they should submit their new W-4 to their employer, not the IRS.

Phone assistance and in-person appointments during COVID-19

The IRS works hard to provide quality service to taxpayers while actively responding to the impacts of the pandemic and focusing on the safety and health of taxpayers and employees.

The IRS encourages people to use existing electronic tools available on IRS.gov as much as possible before calling and continues its efforts to develop more resources to help meet taxpayer needs.

For example, voice bots helped people calling the Economic Impact Payment (EIP) toll-free line, providing general procedural responses to frequently asked questions. As of April 9, 2022, nearly 2.5 million taxpayers had their questions answered through electronic assistance. The IRS also added voice bots for the Advanced Child Tax Credit (AdvCTC) toll-free line this year to provide similar assistance to callers who need help reconciling the credits on their 2021 tax return. As of April 9, 2022, almost 200,000 taxpayers’ queries were answered through these bots.

The IRS also continues to provide face-to-face tax assistance at Taxpayer Assistance Centers by appointment when necessary and at walk-in Saturday events. The IRS follows Centers for Disease Control social distancing guidelines for COVID-19 at all office appointments.

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today updated frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit.

These FAQs (FS-2022-27) updated Questions 1, 5, 8 and 9 in Topic F: Receiving the Credit on a 2021 Tax Return.

Individuals who did not qualify for, or did not receive, the full amount of the third Economic Impact Payment may be eligible to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit based on their 2021 tax year information.  Individuals may have received their third Economic Impact Payment through initial and “plus-up” payments in 2021.

Note:  Third Economic Impact Payments are different than the monthly advance Child Tax Credit payments that the IRS disbursed from July through December 2021.

Most eligible people already received their Economic Impact Payments and won’t include any information about their payment when they file. However, people who are missing stimulus payments should review the information on the Recovery Rebate Credit page to determine their eligibility and whether they need to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit for tax year 2021.

To claim any remaining credit for 2021, eligible people must file a 2021 tax return, even if they usually do not file taxes.  Also, people who did not receive all of their first and second Economic Impact Payments in 2020 can receive those amounts only by filing a 2020 tax return (or amending a previously filed return) and claiming the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit.  They should review the Recovery Rebate Credit page to determine their eligibility.

The 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit can reduce any taxes owed or be included in the tax refund for the 2021 tax year. Filers must ensure to not mix information from their 2020 and 2021 tax years. In particular, filers should take care to NOT include any information regarding the first and second Economic Impact Payments received in 2020, or the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit, on their 2021 return. They will need the total of the third payment received to accurately calculate the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit when they file their 2021 federal tax return in 2022. 

People can locate this information on Letter 1444-C, which they received from the IRS during 2021 after each payment, as well as Letter 6475, which the IRS will mail to them beginning in late January 2022.  Individuals can also view this information in their online account later in January.

The FAQ’s cover most questions relating to claiming the credit and are for use by taxpayers and tax professionals and are being issued as expeditiously as possible.

File for free and use direct deposit

Taxpayers with income of $73,000 or less can file their federal tax returns electronically for free through the IRS Free File Program. The fastest way to receive a tax refund is to file electronically and have it direct deposited into a financial account. Refunds can be directly deposited into bank accounts, prepaid debit cards or mobile apps as long as a routing and account number is provided.

More information about reliance is available.

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today updated frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit.

These FAQs (FS-2022-26) update Topic E, Receiving the Credit on a 2020 tax return:

Individuals who did not qualify for, or did not receive, the full amount of the third Economic Impact Payment may be eligible to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit based on their 2021 tax year information.  Individuals may have received their third Economic Impact Payment through initial and “plus-up” payments in 2021.

Note:  Third Economic Impact Payments are different than the monthly advance Child Tax Credit payments that the IRS disbursed from July through December 2021.

Most eligible people already received their Economic Impact Payments and won’t include any information about their payment when they file. However, people who are missing stimulus payments should review the information on the Recovery Rebate Credit page to determine their eligibility and whether they need to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit for tax year 2021.

To claim any remaining credit for 2021, eligible people must file a 2021 tax return, even if they usually do not file taxes.  Also, people who did not receive all of their first and second Economic Impact Payments in 2020 can receive those amounts only by filing a 2020 tax return (or amending a previously filed return) and claiming the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit.  They should review the Recovery Rebate Credit page to determine their eligibility.

The 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit can reduce any taxes owed or be included in the tax refund for the 2021 tax year. Filers must ensure to not mix information from their 2020 and 2021 tax years. In particular, filers should take care to NOT include any information regarding the first and second Economic Impact Payments received in 2020, or the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit, on their 2021 return. They will need the total of the third payment received to accurately calculate the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit when they file their 2021 federal tax return in 2022. 

Individuals can now view this information in their online account.

People can also locate this information on Letter 1444-C, which they received from the IRS during 2021 after each payment, as well as Letter 6475, which the IRS will mail to them  through March 2022. 

The FAQ’s cover most questions relating to claiming the credit and are for use by taxpayers and tax professionals and are being issued as expeditiously as possible.

File for free and use direct deposit

Taxpayers with income of $73,000 or less can file their federal tax returns electronically for free through the IRS Free File Program. The fastest way to receive a tax refund is to file electronically and have it direct deposited into a financial account. Refunds can be directly deposited into bank accounts, prepaid debit cards or mobile apps as long as a routing and account number is provided.

More information about reliance is available.

WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service today urged any taxpayer, now finishing up their 2021 tax return, to use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to make sure they’re having the right amount of tax taken out of their pay during 2022.

This online tool offers workers, self-employed individuals and retirees who have wage income a user-friendly resource for effectively tailoring the amount of income tax withheld from wages.

2021 refund too big? Too small? Surprise tax bill? If any of these apply, the Tax Withholding Estimator can help anyone make sure it doesn’t happen again by having the right amount of taxes taken out for 2022.

Benefits of using the Estimator
For employees, withholding is the amount of federal income tax taken out of their paycheck. Taxpayers can use the results from the Tax Withholding Estimator to determine if they should complete a new Form W-4 and submit it to their employer. For example, checking withholding can:

When should taxpayers use this tool?
The IRS recommends checking withholding at least once a year. For anyone who has just finished filling out their 2021 return, now is a particularly good time to do it. It’s also a good idea to use this tool right after a major life change, such as marriage, divorce, home purchase or the birth or adoption of a child.

What records are needed?
The Tax Withholding Estimator’s results are only as accurate as the information entered. To help prepare, the IRS recommends that taxpayers gather:

While the Tax Withholding Estimator works for most taxpayers, people with more complex tax situations should instead use the instructions in Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax. This includes taxpayers who owe alternative minimum tax or certain other taxes, and people with long-term capital gains or qualified dividends.

Still working on a 2021 return?
The IRS urges anyone still working on their 2021 return to make sure they have all their year-end statements in hand before filing. Besides all W-2s and 1099s, this includes two new letters issued by the IRS.

People who received advance payments of the Child Tax Credit will need to reconcile, or compare, the total received in advance with the amount they’re eligible to claim. Letter 6419 shows their total advance Child Tax Credit payments to help taxpayers reconcile and receive the full amount of  the 2021 Child Tax Credit.

While most eligible people already received their stimulus payments, people who are missing a third stimulus payment or got less than the full amount may be eligible to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 federal tax return. Letter 6475 shows their total third round of Economic Impact Payments.

Alternatively, anyone can securely sign in to their Online Account to access information on their advance Child Tax Credit payments and Economic Impact Payments.

Taxpayers should also e-file and choose direct deposit to avoid processing delays and help with faster delivery of their refund.

For most Americans, the tax-filing deadline is April 18, 2022. For residents of Maine and Massachusetts, the deadline is April 19, 2022. Americans who live and work abroad have until June 15, 2022. Those who need more time to file can get an automatic extension to file until Oct. 17, 2022. These extensions don't change the April 18 payment deadline. It is not an extension to pay. More information is available at IRS.gov.

Then, after they file, taxpayers can use the Tax Withholding Estimator to help them update their withholding for 2022.

Additional information
Tax Withholding Estimator FAQs
Paycheck Checkup

WASHINGTON ― With the April 18 tax-filing deadline closing in for most taxpayers, the Internal Revenue Service wants to dispel some new and common myths about getting refund details or speeding up tax refunds. A number of these myths circulate on social media every tax season.

The IRS continues to process 2021 tax returns and deliver refunds, with nine out of 10 refunds issued in less than 21 days. As of the week ending April 1, the IRS has sent out more than 63 million refunds worth over $204 billion. The average refund is $3,226.

The IRS reminds taxpayers the easiest way to check on a refund is “Where’s My Refund?,” an online tool available on IRS.gov and through the IRS2Go mobile app. “Where’s My Refund?” provides taxpayers the same information and issue date information that IRS assistors and tax professionals have.

“Where’s My Refund?” can be used to check the status of a tax return within 24 hours after a taxpayer receives their e-file acceptance notification. The “Where’s My Refund?” tool is updated only once every 24 hours, usually overnight, so there’s no need to check the status more than once a day. Taxpayers should only call the IRS tax help hotline to talk to a representative if it has been more than 21 days since their tax return was e-filed, or more than six weeks since mailing their return.

For those awaiting processing of a 2020 tax return, the IRS continues to make progress in this area and has taken numerous steps to help address this issue, including stopping the mailing of key notices and adding more IRS employees as part of surge teams to continue working tax returns, as well as amended returns and correspondence from last year.

Seven common myths about tax refunds:

Myth 1: Calling the IRS or visiting an IRS office speeds up a refund
Many taxpayers mistakenly believe the commonly held myth that speaking with the IRS by phone or visiting in-person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center will expedite their tax refund. The best way to check the status of a refund is online through the “Where’s My Refund?” tool at IRS.gov or via the IRS2Go mobile app. Alternatively, those without internet access can reach “Where’s My Refund?” by calling the automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954. IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers operate by appointment and inquiring about a tax refund’s status does not expedite the process.

Myth 2: Taxpayers need to wait for their 2020 return to be processed before filing their 2021 return, or that all refunds are delayed due to the number of 2020 returns the IRS still needs to process.
The reality is that taxpayers generally will not need to wait for their 2020 return to be fully processed to file their 2021 tax returns. They should file when they’re ready. People with unprocessed 2020 tax returns, should enter $0 (zero dollars) for last year's AGI on their 2021 tax return when electronically filing.

Myth 3: Taxpayers can get a refund date by ordering a tax transcript
Ordering a tax transcript will not inform taxpayers of the timing of their tax refund, nor will it speed up a refund being processed. Taxpayers can use a transcript to validate past income and tax filing status for mortgage, student and small business loan applications and to help with tax preparation. But the “Where’s My Refund?” tool is the fastest and most accurate way to check the status of a refund.

Myth 4: “Where’s My Refund?” must be wrong because there’s no deposit date yet
While the IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days, it’s possible a refund may take longer for a variety of reasons, including when a return is incomplete or needs further review. Delays can be caused by simple errors like an incomplete return, transposed numbers or when a tax return is affected by identity theft or fraud. The “https://www.irs.gov/refunds” tool only updates data once a day – usually overnight.

Myth 5: “Where’s My Refund?” must be wrong because a refund amount is less than expected
Different factors can cause a tax refund to be larger or smaller than expected. Situations that may decrease a refund can include corrections to any Recovery Rebate Credit or Child Tax Credit amounts, delinquent federal taxes or state taxes and past due child support. The IRS will mail the taxpayer a letter of explanation if these adjustments are made. The Department of Treasury's Bureau of the Fiscal Service may also send a letter if all or part of a taxpayer’s refund was used to pay certain financial obligations.

Myth 6: Calling a tax professional will provide a better refund date
Contacting a tax professional will not speed up a refund. Tax professionals cannot move up a refund date nor do they have access to any "special" information that will provide a more accurate refund date. The “Where’s My Refund?” tool provides taxpayers with the same accurate and timely information that a tax professional, or even an IRS telephone assistor can access.

Myth 7: Getting a refund this year means there's no need to adjust tax withholding for 2022
Taxpayers should continually check their withholding and adjust accordingly. Adjusting tax withholding with an employer is easy, and using the Tax Withholding Estimator tool can help taxpayers determine if they are withholding the right amount from their paycheck. Taxpayers who experience a life event like marriage or divorce, childbirth, an adoption, home purchase or major income change are encouraged to check their withholding. Withholding takes place throughout the year, so it's better to take this step as soon as possible.

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today that taxpayers who may need to take additional actions related to Qualified Opportunity Funds (QOFs) should begin receiving letters in the mail in April.

Taxpayers who attached Form 8996, Qualified Opportunity Fund, to their return may receive Letter 6501, Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF) Investment Standard. This letter lets them know that information needed to support the annual certification of investment standard is missing, invalid or the calculation isn’t supported by the amounts reported. If they intend to maintain their certification as a QOF, they may need to take additional action to meet the annual self-certification of the investment standard requirement.

To correct the annual maintenance certification of the investment standard, these taxpayers should file an amended return or an administrative adjustment request (AAR). If an entity that receives the letter fails to act, the IRS may refer its tax account for examination. Investors who made an election to defer tax on eligible gains invested in that entity may also be subject to examination.

Additionally, taxpayers may receive Letter 6502, Reporting Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF) Investments, or Letter 6503, Annual Reporting Of Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF) Investments. These letters notify them that they may not have properly followed the instructions for Form 8997, Initial and Annual Statement of Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF) Investments, since it appears that information is missing, invalid or that they may not have properly followed the requirements to maintain their qualifying investment in a QOF with the filing of the form.

If these taxpayers intend to maintain a qualifying investment in a QOF, they can file an amended return or an AAR with a properly completed Form 8997 attached. Failure to act will mean those who received the letter may not have a qualifying investment in a QOF and the IRS may refer their tax accounts for examination. This may result in letter recipients owing taxes, interest and penalties on gains not properly deferred.

For general information, visit the Opportunity Zones page on IRS.gov.

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded all taxpayers – particularly those who are identity theft victims – of an important step they should take to protect themselves from tax fraud. 

Some identity thieves use taxpayers’ information to file fraudulent tax returns. By requesting Identity Protection PINs from the Get an IP PIN tool on IRS.gov, taxpayers can prevent thieves from claiming tax refunds in their names. 

Identity Protection PINs and how to get one

An IP PIN is a six-digit number the IRS assigns to an individual to help prevent the misuse of their Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) on federal income tax returns. The IP PIN protects the taxpayer’s account, even if they’re no longer required to file a tax return, by rejecting any e-filed return without the taxpayer’s IP PIN

Taxpayers should request an IP PIN:

Taxpayers can go to IRS/getanippin to complete a thorough authentication check. Once authentication is complete, an IP PIN will be provided online immediately. A new IP PIN is generated every year for added security. Once an individual is enrolled in the IP PIN program, there’s no way to opt-out. 

The IRS may automatically assign an IP PIN if the IRS determines the taxpayer’s a victim of tax-related identity theft. The taxpayer will receive a notification confirming the tax-related ID theft incident along with an assigned IP PIN for future tax-return filings. 

Taxpayers will either receive a notice with their new IP PIN every year in early January for the next filing season or they must retrieve their IP PIN by going to IRS/getanippin. 

Tax-related identity theft and how to handle it

Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses a taxpayer’s stolen SSN to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund. In the vast majority of tax-related identity theft cases, the IRS identifies a suspicious tax return and pulls the suspicious return for review. The IRS then sends a letter to the taxpayer and won’t process the tax return until the taxpayer responds. 

Depending on the situation, the taxpayer will receive one of three letters asking them to verify their identity:

If the taxpayer receives any of these letters, they don’t need to file an https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/when-to-file-an-identity-theft-affidavit(Form 14039). Instead, they should follow the instructions in the letter.

When to file an Identity Theft Affidavit

If a taxpayer hasn’t heard from the IRS but suspects tax-related identity theft, they should complete and submit a Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit. Signs of possible tax-related identity theft include: 

The IRS will work to verify the legitimate taxpayer, clear the fraudulent return from the taxpayer’s account and, generally, place a special marker on the account that will generate an IP PIN each year for the taxpayer who is a confirmed victim. 

For information about tax-related identity theft, see Identity Protection: Prevention, Detection and Victim Assistanceand IRS Identity Theft Victim Assistance: How It Works on IRS.gov. The Federal Trade Commission website also includes information about tax-related identity theft. 

Signs of non-tax-related identity theft; no need to file form 14039

Non-tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses stolen or lost personal identifiable information (PII) to open credit cards, obtain mortgages, buy a car or open other accounts without their victim’s knowledge. 

Potential evidence of non-tax-related identity theft can include:

Victims of non-tax-related identity theft don’t need to report these incidents to the IRS but should take steps to protect against the type of identity theft they’ve experienced.

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminds those who make estimated tax payments such as self-employed individuals, retirees, investors, businesses, corporations and others that the payment for the first quarter of 2022 is due Monday, April 18.

The 2022 Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals, can help taxpayers estimate their first quarterly tax payment.

Income taxes are a pay-as-you-go process. This means, by law, taxes must be paid as income is earned or received during the year. Most people pay their taxes through withholding from paychecks, pension payments, Social Security benefits or certain other government payments including unemployment compensation.

Most often, those who are self-employed or in the gig economy need to make estimated tax payments. Similarly, investors, retirees and others often need to make these payments because a substantial portion of their income is not subject to withholding. Other income generally not subject to withholding includes interest, dividends, capital gains, alimony and rental income. Paying quarterly estimated taxes will usually lessen and may even eliminate any penalties.

Exceptions to the penalty and special rules apply to some groups of taxpayers, such as farmers and fishers, casualty and disaster victims, those who recently became disabled, recent retirees and those who receive income unevenly during the year. See Form 2210, Underpayment of Estimated Tax by Individuals, Estates and Trusts, and its instructions for more information.

How to pay estimated taxes
Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals, includes instructions to help taxpayers figure their estimated taxes. They can also visit IRS.gov/payments to pay electronically. The best way to make a payment is through IRS Online Account. There taxpayers can see their payment history, any pending payments and other useful tax information. Taxpayers can make an estimated tax payment by using IRS Direct Pay; Debit Card, Credit Card or Digital Wallet; or the Treasury Department's Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS). For information on other payment options, visit IRS.gov/payments. If paying by check, taxpayers should be sure to make the check payable to the "United States Treasury."

Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax, has additional details, including worksheets and examples, that can be especially helpful to those who have dividend or capital gain income, owe alternative minimum tax or self-employment tax, or have other special situations.

IRS.gov assistance 24/7
Tax help is available 24/7 on IRS.gov. The IRS website offers a variety of online tools to help taxpayers answer common tax questions. For example, taxpayers can search the Interactive Tax Assistant, Tax Topics and Frequently Asked Questions to get answers to common questions.

The IRS is continuing to expand ways to communicate to taxpayers who prefer to get information in other languages. The IRS has posted translated tax resources in 20 other languages on IRS.gov. For more information, see We Speak Your Language.