WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued final frequently asked questions (FAQs) for Payments by Indian Tribal Governments and Alaska Native Corporations to Individuals under COVID- Relief Legislation (FS-2022-23). 

These reflect updates to the Draft FAQs, released in May 2021, based on input from tribal government and Alaska Native Corporations leaders.

For purposes of these FAQs, references to tribal members include other eligible recipients of COVID relief payments, such as a tribal member’s dependents. In addition, the answers in FAQs 1-14 relating to the tax treatment and information reporting of payments made from Tribes to tribal members should be considered to apply equally to payments made from ANCs to their shareholders and other eligible recipients, such as an ANC shareholder’s dependents.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), enacted on March 27, 2020, provided a number of emergency relief programs that benefit Indian Tribal Governments (Tribes) and tribal members. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA), enacted on December 27, 2020, extended certain COVID-related tax provisions, and provides for appropriations for COVID-19 emergency response and relief for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2021, including additional funds for Tribes. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP), enacted on March 11, 2021, also extended previous programs, and added new relief provisions that benefit Tribes and tribal members. These programs allow Tribes to provide emergency relief payments to tribal members and their families for necessary expenses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

More information about reliance is available.

WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service today updated its frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the third-round Economic Impact Payment (FS-2022-22) PDF.

These FAQs revisions (as noted by date at the end of each revised question) are as follows:

• Third-round Economic Impact Payment — Topic A: General Information
• Third-round Economic Impact Payment — Topic B: Eligibility and Calculation of the Third Payment
• Third-round Economic Impact Payment — Topic C: Plus-Up Payments
• Third-round Economic Impact Payment — Topic D: EIP Cards
• Third-round Economic Impact Payment — Topic E: Requesting My Payment
• Third-round Economic Impact Payment — Topic F: Social Security, Railroad Retirement and Department of Veterans Affairs benefit recipients
• Third-round Economic Impact Payment — Topic G: Receiving My Payment
• Third-round Economic Impact Payment — Topic H: Reconciling on Your 2021 Tax Return
• Third-round Economic Impact Payment — Topic J: Payment Issued but Lost, Stolen, Destroyed or Not Received

These FAQs are being issued to provide general information to taxpayers and tax professionals as expeditiously as possible.

More information about reliance is available.

More information on the Recovery Rebate Credit is available on IRS.gov.

WASHINGTON ― Unclaimed income tax refunds totaling almost $1.5 billion may be waiting for an estimated 1.5 million taxpayers who did not file a 2018 Form 1040 federal income tax return, but people must act before the April tax deadline, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

"The IRS wants to help people who are due refunds but haven't filed their 2018 tax returns yet," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "But people need to act quickly. By law, there's only a three-year window to claim these refunds, which closes with this year’s April tax deadline. We want to help people get these refunds, but they need to file a 2018 tax return before this critical deadline."

The IRS estimates the midpoint for the potential refunds for 2018 to be $813 — that is, half of the refunds are more than $813 and half are less.

In cases where a federal income tax return was not filed, the law provides most taxpayers with a three-year window of opportunity to claim a tax refund. If they do not file a tax return within three years, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury. For 2018 tax returns, the window closes April 18, 2022, for most taxpayers. Taxpayers living in Maine and Massachusetts have until April 19, 2022. The law requires taxpayers to properly address, mail and ensure the tax return is postmarked by that date.

The IRS reminds taxpayers seeking a 2018 tax refund that their checks may be held if they have not filed tax returns for 2019 and 2020. In addition, the refund will be applied to any amounts still owed to the IRS or a state tax agency and may be used to offset unpaid child support or past due federal debts, such as student loans.

By failing to file a tax return, people stand to lose more than just their refund of taxes withheld or paid during 2018. Many low- and moderate-income workers may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). For 2018, the credit was worth as much as $6,431. The EITC helps individuals and families whose incomes are below certain thresholds. The thresholds for 2018 were:

Tax year 2018 returns must be filed with the IRS center listed on the last page of the current Form 1040 instructions. Current and prior year tax forms (such as the tax year 2018 Form 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ) and instructions are available on the IRS.gov Forms and Publications page or by calling toll-free 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676). However, taxpayers can e-file tax year 2019 and later returns.
 
Taxpayers who are missing Forms W-2, 1098, 1099 or 5498 for the years 2018, 2019 or 2020 should request copies from their employer, bank or other payer. Taxpayers who are unable to get missing forms from their employer or other payer can order a free wage and income transcript at IRS.gov using the Get Transcript Online tool. Alternatively, they can file Form 4506-T to request a wage and income transcript.

A wage and income transcript shows data from information returns received by the IRS, such as Forms W-2, 1098, 1099, Form 5498 and IRA contribution information. Taxpayers can use the information from the transcript to file their tax return. 

State-by-state estimates of individuals who may be due 2018 income tax refunds 

State or District	Estimated Number of Individuals	Median Potential Refund	Total Potential Refunds*
Alabama	24,474	$796	$23,028,940
Alaska	5,515	$969	$6,185,637
Arizona	38,182	$718	$33,577,964
Arkansas	13,727	$762	$12,567,925
California	148,938	$776	$139,660,163
Colorado	30,836	$787	$28,979,238
Connecticut	15,020	$864	$15,243,386
Delaware	5,764	$793	$5,486,810
District of Columbia	4,011	$802	$3,967,443
Florida	98,979	$818	$94,578,672
Georgia	51,034	$735	$46,467,229
Hawaii	8,199	$873	$8,317,290
Idaho	7,026	$686	$5,982,194
Illinois	55,767	$840	$54,850,831
Indiana	34,770	$839	$33,534,332
Iowa	14,843	$840	$14,255,896
Kansas	14,813	$822	$14,125,094
Kentucky	20,030	$836	$19,137,456
Louisiana	24,292	$793	$23,609,986
Maine	5,851	$772	$5,241,197
Maryland	30,224	$814	$29,637,361
Massachusetts	32,234	$908	$33,569,901
Michigan	49,252	$812	$47,228,525
Minnesota	22,685	$771	$20,920,613
Mississippi	13,007	$730	$11,753,943
Missouri	33,858	$783	$31,284,396
Montana	4,914	$758	$4,560,800
Nebraska	7,647	$809	$7,204,243
Nevada	17,919	$792	$16,896,077
New Hampshire	6,755	$920	$7,022,858
New Jersey	39,046	$872	$39,628,243
New Mexico	9,893	$804	$9,613,090
New York	77,315	$896	$79,825,137
North Carolina	50,069	$776	$45,990,818
North Dakota	4,011	$893	$4,139,793
Ohio	56,285	$793	$51,974,509
Oklahoma	21,529	$824	$21,075,857
Oregon	23,552	$715	$20,729,323
Pennsylvania	59,459	$865	$58,993,909
Rhode Island	4,011	$893	$4,099,614
South Carolina	18,063	$720	$16,288,951
South Dakota	3,872	$858	$3,718,677
Tennessee	30,693	$788	$28,459,178
Texas	145,616	$856	$147,059,248
Utah	11,644	$757	$10,648,614
Vermont	3,089	$832	$2,905,786
Virginia	41,663	$776	$39,285,545
Washington	42,272	$863	$43,022,251
West Virginia	6,968	$880	$7,146,354
Wisconsin	21,753	$755	$19,535,856
Wyoming	3,258	$912	$3,486,358
Totals	1,514,627	$813	$1,456,503,511

* Excluding credits.

Today, the IRS published the latest executive column, “A Closer Look,” which features Ken Corbin, Commissioner, Wage & Investment Division and Chief Taxpayer Experience Officer, discussing why this is the right time to consider a career with the IRS. “We’re looking to recruit and hire employees for a variety of positions, from entry-level to those in specialized fields and even management,” said Corbin. “In addition to the positions available now in this hiring surge, you might be surprised to learn about some of the interesting jobs in our agency that support innovation, combat crime and terrorism, help taxpayers and ensure equality and fairness.” Read more here. Read the Spanish version here.

“A Closer Look” is a column from IRS executives that covers a variety of timely issues of interest to taxpayers and the tax community. It also provides a detailed look at key issues affecting everything from IRS operations and employees to issues involving taxpayers and tax professionals.

Check here for prior posts and new updates.

WASHINGTON – Even though the Internal Revenue Service issues most refunds in less than 21 days for taxpayers who filed electronically and chose direct deposit, some refunds may take longer.

Many different factors can affect the timing of a refund after the IRS receives a return. A  manual review may be necessary when a return has errors, is incomplete or is affected by identity theft or fraud.

Other returns can also take longer to process, including when a return needs a correction to the Child Tax Credit or Recovery Rebate Credit amount, includes a claim filed for an Earned Income Tax Credit or an Additional Child Tax Credit, or includes a Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation , which could take up to 14 weeks to process.

The fastest way to get a tax refund is by filing electronically and choosing direct deposit. Taxpayers who don’t have a bank account can find out more on how to open an account at an FDIC-Insured bank or the National Credit Union Locator Tool.

The IRS cautions taxpayers not to rely on receiving a refund by a certain date, especially when making major purchases or paying bills. Some returns may require additional review and may take longer. Also, remember to take into consideration the time it takes for a financial institution to post the refund to an account or to receive it by mail.

To check the status of a refund, taxpayers should use the Where’s My Refund? tool on IRS.gov. Information for the most current tax year filed is generally available within 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of a taxpayer’s e-filed return. If they filed a paper return, taxpayers should allow four weeks before checking the status.

The IRS will contact taxpayers by mail when more information is needed to process a return. IRS phone and walk-in representatives can only research the status of a refund if it has been:

Before filing a return, taxpayers should make IRS.gov their first stop to find online tools to help get the information they need to file. The tools are easy-to-use and available anytime. Millions of people use them to help file and pay taxes, find information about their accounts, get answers to tax questions and get tips on filing a return.

2020 tax returns
Waiting on a 2020 tax return to be processed? People whose tax returns from 2020 have not yet been processed should still file their 2021 tax returns by the April due date or request an extension to file.

Those filing electronically in this group need their Adjusted Gross Income, or AGI, from their most recent tax return. For those waiting on their 2020 tax return to be processed, make sure to enter $0 (zero dollars) for last year's AGI on the 2021 tax return. Visit Validating Your Electronically Filed Tax Return for more details.

Also, when self-preparing a tax return and filing electronically, taxpayers must sign and validate the electronic tax return by entering their prior-year Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) or prior-year Self-Select PIN (SSP). Those who electronically filed last year may have created a five digit Self-Select PIN to use as their electronic signature. Generally, tax software automatically enters the information for returning customers. Taxpayers who are using a software product for the first time may have to enter this information.

Taxpayers should review the special instructions to validate an electronically filed 2021 tax return if their 2020 return has not been processed or they used the Non-Filers tool in 2021 to register for an advance Child Tax Credit payment or third Economic Impact Payment in 2021.

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today revised its frequently asked questions (FAQs) on 2020 unemployment compensation exclusion.

This Fact Sheet (FS-2022-21) PDF updates the 2020 unemployment compensation exclusion frequently-asked-questions (FAQs). These updates are:

These FAQs are being issued to provide general information to taxpayers and tax professionals as expeditiously as possible.

More information about reliance is available.

WASHINGTON ― The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers who have a tax bill that there are several ways to make payments, and there are options for many people who can't pay their tax bill in full by April tax deadline.

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. Some taxpayers who were victims of a natural disaster have even longer to file their returns.

The IRS reminds people to timely file their tax return and pay whatever they can by the filing deadline to avoid late filing and interest penalties.

Sign in to pay and see payment history
Taxpayers can use their Online Account to securely see important information when preparing to file their tax return or following up on balances or notices. Taxpayers can make a same-day payment for a 2021 tax return balance, an extension to file, or estimated taxes, which are all due by April deadline for most taxpayers. They can also view:

Ways to pay

Check or Money Order: Payments made by check or money order should be made payable to the "United States Treasury." To help ensure that the payment gets credited promptly, taxpayers should also enclose a Form 1040-V payment voucher and print on the front of the check or money order: "2021 Form 1040"; name; address; daytime phone number; and Social Security number.

File by April 18, 2022 for most taxpayers
The most important thing everyone with a tax bill should do is file a return by the April 18 due date, for most taxpayers (even if they can't pay in full). Taxpayers may also request a six-month extension to file by October 17, 2022, to avoid penalties and interest for failing to file on time.

Though automatic tax-filing extensions are available to anyone who wants one, these extensions don't change the payment deadline. It is not an extension to pay. Visit IRS.gov/extensions for details.

Usually anyone who owes tax and waits until after that date to file will be charged a late-filing penalty of 5% per month. So, if a tax return is complete, filing it by April 18 is always less costly, even if the full amount due can't be paid on time.

IRS Free File is an easy, quick way to file that is available to eligible individuals and families who earned $73,000 or less in 2021. IRS Free File is available on IRS.gov.

Pay what you can
Interest, plus the late-payment penalty, will apply to any payments made after April 18. Making a payment, even a partial payment, will help limit penalty and interest charges. The fastest and easiest way to pay a personal tax bill is with Direct Pay, available only on IRS.gov. For a rundown of other payment options, visit IRS.gov/payments.

The IRS urges taxpayers to first consider other options for payment, including getting a loan to pay the amount due. In many cases, loan costs may be lower than the combination of interest and penalties the IRS must charge under federal law. Normally, the late-payment penalty is one-half-of-one percent (0.5%) per month. The interest rate, adjusted quarterly, is currently 3% per year, compounded daily.

If a loan isn't possible, the IRS can often help.

Online payment plans
Most individual taxpayers qualify to set up an online payment plan with the IRS, and it only takes a few minutes to apply. Applicants are notified immediately if their request is approved. No need to call or write to the IRS. The IRS notes that online payment plans are processed more quickly than requests submitted with electronically-filed tax returns. If a taxpayer just filed their return and knows that they’ll owe a balance, they may be able to set up a payment plan online before they even receive a notice or bill.

There are two main types of online payment plans:

Taxpayers who do not qualify for an online payment agreement may still be able to arrange to pay in installments. See Additional Information on Payment Plans for more information.

Other payment options
Some struggling taxpayers may also consider using these other payment options:

Delayed collection
If the IRS determines a taxpayer is unable to pay, it may delay collection until their financial condition improves. However, the total amount owed will still increase because penalties and interest are charged until paid in full. Taxpayers can request a delay by calling the phone number on their notice or 800-829-1040.

Penalty relief
Some taxpayers qualify to have their late-filing or late-payment penalties reduced or eliminated. This can be done on a case-by-case basis, based on reasonable cause. Alternatively, where a taxpayer has a history of compliance, the IRS can typically provide relief under the First Time Abatement program. Visit IRS.gov/penaltyrelief for details.

Offer in Compromise
Some taxpayers qualify to settle their tax bill for less than the full amount due, through an offer in compromise. Though there is typically a $205 non-refundable application fee, it is generally waived for low-income taxpayers and for offers based on doubt as to liability. The Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier tool can help determine eligibility for anyone interested in applying.

The IRS reminds taxpayers that they have rights and protections throughout the collection process. For details, see Taxpayer Bill of Rights and Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer.

For more information about payments, see Topic No. 202, Tax Payment Options, on IRS.gov.

Taxpayers should know before they owe. The IRS encourages all taxpayers to check their withholding with the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator.

This news release is part of a series called the Tax Time Guide, a resource to help taxpayers file an accurate tax return. Additional help is available in Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax.

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers how to avoid common errors on their tax returns. This filing season, the IRS is seeing signs of a number of common errors, including some taxpayers claiming incorrect amounts of the Recovery Rebate Credit and Child Tax Credit.

To avoid errors on these common credits, there are some key steps people should remember. Taxpayers 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.

Here are other easy ways to avoid common mistakes being seen so far this tax season.

File electronically. Taxpayers can use their computer, smartphone or tablet to file their taxes electronically, whether through IRS Free File or other e-file service providers, to help reduce mistakes. Tax software guides people through each section of their tax return using a question-and-answer format. Enter information carefully. This includes any information needed to calculate credits and deductions. Using tax software should help prevent math errors, but taxpayers should always review their tax return for accuracy.

Use the correct filing status. Tax software, including IRS Free File, also helps prevent mistakes when selecting a tax return filing status. If taxpayers are unsure about their filing status, the Interactive Tax Assistant on IRS.gov can help them choose the correct status, especially if more than one filing status applies.

Answer the virtual currency question. The 2021 Form 1040 and 1040-SR asks whether at any time during 2021, a person received, sold, exchanged or otherwise disposed of any financial interest in any virtual currency. Taxpayers should not leave this field blank but should check either “Yes” or “No.”

Report all taxable income. Underreporting income may lead to penalties and interest. Organized tax records help avoid errors that lead to processing delays and may also help to find overlooked deductions or credits. Taxpayers should have all their income documents on hand before starting their tax return. Examples are Forms W-2, 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC.

Include unemployment compensation. The IRS is seeing situations where people are not including unemployment compensation they received in 2021 on their tax returns. Although a special law allowed taxpayers to exclude unemployment compensation from taxes in 2020, it was only for that year. Unemployment compensation received in 2021 is generally taxable, so taxpayers should include it as income on their tax return.

Double-check name, birth date and Social Security number entries. Taxpayers must correctly list the name, Social Security number (SSN) and date of birth for each person they claim as a dependent on their individual income tax return. Enter each SSN and individual’s name on a tax return exactly as printed on the Social Security card. If a dependent or spouse does not have and is not eligible to get a SSN, list the Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a SSN.

Double check routing and account numbers. Requesting direct deposit of a federal refund into one, two or even three accounts is convenient and allows the taxpayer access to their money faster. Make sure the financial institution routing and account numbers entered on the return are accurate. Incorrect numbers can cause a refund to be delayed or deposited into the wrong account. Taxpayers can also use their refund to purchase U.S. Savings Bonds.

Mail paper returns to the right address. Paper filers should confirm the correct address for where to file on IRS.gov or on form instructions to avoid processing delays. Note that processing paper tax returns could take much longer than usual. Taxpayers and tax professionals are encouraged to file electronically if possible.

Sign and date the return. If filing a joint return, both spouses must sign and date the return. E-filers can sign using a self-selected personal identification number (PIN). Taxpayers should review the special instructions to validate their 2021 electronic tax return if their 2020 return has not yet been processed.

Keep a copy. When ready to file, taxpayers should make a copy of their signed return and all schedules for their records.

Request an extension, if needed. Taxpayers who cannot meet the April 18 deadline can easily request a six-month filing extension to Oct. 17 and prevent late filing penalties. Use Free File or Form 4868. But keep in mind that, while an extension grants additional time to file, tax payments are still due April 18 for most taxpayers.

Revenue Ruling 2022-7 updates Rev. Rul. 2004-53 in accordance with the Taxpayer First Act by explaining that all recipients of returns or return information pursuant to section 6103(c), including government employees, are subject to the disclosure restrictions of section 6103(a). Rev. Rul. 2004-53 modified and superseded.

Revenue Ruling 2022-7 will be in IRB:  2022-14, dated 4/4/2022.

Notice 2022-14  sets forth updates on the corporate bond monthly yield curve, the corresponding spot segment rates for March 2022 used under § 417(e)(3)(D), the 24-month average segment rates applicable for March 2022, and the 30-year Treasury rates, as reflected by the application of § 430(h)(2)(C)(iv). 

Notice 2022-14 will be in IRB:   2022-14, dated April 4, 2022.