Filing taxes, getting the paperwork in order, figuring out which 2022 tax brackets you fall under, and even working out whether you are liable to receive any returns can be a stressful process. Especially for those people who haven’t been able to keep track of expenses throughout the year, the tax filing process can be even more taxing. The last thing you want is to end up falling short on the tax returns and have to take up the process with a specialist consultant which only means more expenses.
The past couple of years have been rather difficult for citizens and the IRS alike. The problems surrounding Covid-19, such as the extra rebates, the extra emergency processes due to the pandemic, and additional stimulus checks have all meant that the IRS is having to process more information than usual. A process that usually only takes a few days has ended up taking several weeks for many people across the country.
If your tax filing process has taken longer than usual there is no reason to be alarmed or concerned, you can expect delays and this is completely normal. There are a few things that you can do to keep an eye on your file and make sure things are going according to plan.
1. Through a Call Or the App
If you haven’t already downloaded the app then you should definitely consider doing it as it will make it much easier and quicker to stay updated with your taxes. There are a host of other features that you can make use of through the IRS app that will also help you when it comes to putting information together. You can easily get in touch with the IRS by phone, but considering the high workload they are currently experiencing, it is not a recommended solution. In fact, the IRS itself has warned people that they should expect much longer waiting times if they call in. Therefore, if you have no option but to call in then it is recommended that you follow the automated steps and use the computer assistance to resolve your matter.
2. Use The Portal
The IRS has a fantastic online presence and a portal that they are extremely responsive through. In fact, the IRS advises people to get in touch and even send their documents digitally rather than through traditional mail. If you are considering filing your returns digitally, you can have a look at this link for some advice; it lists a few tools that will help you compile your taxes and forward them in a neat package. As an applicant, it is your responsibility to ensure that your data is ready to be processed. Having poorly compiled information will only lead to further delays in processing.
3. Check Your Returns
One of the biggest challenges in getting your tax returns is actually filing the paperwork. Many people who are filing returns for the first time will not know how to do it properly which is why it is highly recommended you work with a specialist tax lawyer. Once you get the hang of it, you can do it on your own in the future. If you file the returns, it is a long process to have the documents withdrawn and edited and then resubmitted for evaluation. You can save yourself a lot of time and headaches by having a specialist take care of it. Moreover, if you are filing federal taxes and you have recently moved to a new state, it’s a good idea to have a look at local regulations as they do vary a lot from state to state.
4. Consult
If it’s been several months and you haven’t received an email or had any contact from the IRS about your tax returns then you should investigate. This is especially common in situations where people have submitted documents by post. There are a lot of hands that the documents have to go through and the last thing you want is for them to have gone missing. If none of the above methods have helped you out and the only solution is to get in touch with an expert who can help you, definitely reach out to them.
There are IRS offices that you can get in touch with within every state but it often doesn’t really help because your files might be getting processed somewhere else. All the site offices are simply points of contact whereas the actual processing is happening elsewhere. Your best bet is to get in touch through email as that way, your queries are forwarded to the appropriate person no matter what the situation is. If you are working through a specialist, make sure you stay up to date with whatever is happening in your case so you can help them resolve any issues that may require your assistance.
