It’s that time of year again: the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced it will begin accepting and processing tax returns beginning Mon., Jan. 24. It also indicated it will open its IRS Free File service on Fri., Jan. 14, for qualified taxpayers who want to get a head start on filing. Once again, the IRS is encouraging taxpayers to e-file with their direct deposit information, stating that many will receive their tax refund within 21 days of their e-filing date.

Typically, the tax deadline is April 15, but since Washington, D.C. is recognizing the Emancipation Day holiday that day, Tax Day is pushed to Mon., April 18. The IRS anticipates over 160 million individual returns to be filed with the vast majority coming before the deadline. This new tax season opens as the IRS continues to process returns from the last tax season due to the COVID-19 pandemic creating a great deal of backlog. However, the IRS has indicated that individuals who are awaiting the processing of previous tax returns can file their 2021 returns in the meantime.

Important 2022 Tax Season Dates

Be sure to keep these dates in mind this tax season:

  • Jan. 14: The IRS Free File service opens. However, tax returns will not be transmitted to the IRS until Jan. 24.
  • Jan. 18: Fourth quarter of 2021 estimated tax payment is due.
  • Jan. 24: IRS kicks off the 2022 tax season.
  • Jan. 28: Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day to spotlight the tax credits available to many Americans.
  • Mid-Feb.: IRS starts distributing refunds for returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit.
  • April 18: Tax Day – due date for filing 2021 tax returns or requesting an extension (for most of the country; Maine and Massachusetts have until April 19 due to the Patriots’ Day holiday).
  • Oct. 17: Due date for filing 2021 tax returns for those that requested an extension.

As always, if you need assistance filing your business or individual tax returns, contact Doeren Mayhew’s dedicated tax advisors today.