The 2022 Tax Season officially began January 24. Individual 2021 tax returns are being accepted and processing has begun. Here are some important IRS dates and tips to keep in mind as you file your tax return:
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Remember these dates:
- Friday, January 28: Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day to raise awareness of valuable tax credits available to many people – including the option to use prior-year income to qualify.
- Monday, April 18: Filing deadline to submit 2021 tax returns or request an extension to file and pay tax owed for most taxpayers. The due date is April 18, instead of April 15 this year because of the Emancipation Day holiday in the District of Columbia. By law, Washington, D.C. holidays impact tax deadlines for everyone in the same way federal holidays do. Taxpayers in Maine or Massachusetts have an extra day to file their returns due to the Patriots' Day holiday in those states. Their deadline is until April 19, 2022.
- Monday, October 17: Due date to file for those requesting an extension on their 2021 tax returns. - All IRS forms, instructions and publications can be found on this webpage
- Check IRS.gov for the latest tax information, including the latest on reconciling advance payments of the Child Tax Credit or claiming a Recovery Rebate Credit for missing stimulus payments, and what to expect in advance of the April 18 tax deadline
- Avoid processing delays and speed refunds by setting up an account and log in securely at gov/account to access personal tax account information including balance, payments, and tax records including adjusted gross income.
- File a complete and accurate return electronically when ready and choose direct deposit for the quickest refund.
Additional Tax Tips and Programs of Interest
Online Workshop: Tax Law Updates
Saturday, February 5, 2022
11:00AM – 12:00PM
This workshop covers tax law changes and how it might affect your personal financial situation. Strategies for tax savings for this year and beyond will also be covered. This workshop is sponsored by the Santa Clara County Library District and the Financial Planning Association of Silicon Valley.
Registration is required: This program has ended.
Hard Copy Tax Forms
Some IRS tax forms such as the 1040 and 1040-SR and instruction booklets are available at Santa Clara County Library District libraries. You can also download them from the IRS’s Forms, Instructions & Publications webpage. California state tax forms such as the 540 Personal Income Tax Booklet will also be available. Alternatively, you can download them from the California Franchise Tax Board Forms and Publications website.
Free Tax Preparation and Filing Assistance
VITA: If you had earned income in 2021 and earned less than $58,000, you are eligible for free income tax assistance. The CalWORKS IRS-certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) team is providing this service online. Access this virtual program at GetYourRefund.org/Calworks in English or Spanish.
IRS VITA Locator Tool
Use the VITA Locator Tool to locate the nearest VITA and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) site. You can also call 800-906-9887.
California Franchise Tax Board Help
This webpage provides answers to many questions you may have about filing your California tax return.
Tax Resources at the Library
J.K. Lasser's Your Income Tax 2022
Lower Your Taxes -- Big Time by Sanford C. Botkin
Deduct It! Lower Your Small Business Taxes by Stephen Fishman
