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News EssentialsThe Newsroom TopicsIRS Resources | Issue Number: IR-2021-35Inside This IssueAvoid pandemic paper delays: Use e-file with direct deposit for faster refunds as IRS prepares to open 2020 filing season WASHINGTON – With filing season opening on Feb. 12, the Internal Revenue Service urged taxpayers to take some simple steps to help ensure they file accurate tax returns and speed their tax refunds to avoid a variety of pandemic-related issues. Although every year the IRS encourages taxpayers to e-file their returns and use direct deposit to receive refunds, to those taxpayers who have previously not used e-file, the IRS emphasizes using it this year to avoid paper-related processing delays. Taxpayers can file electronically by using a tax professional, IRS Free File or other commercial tax preparation software. The IRS cautioned paper-filed tax returns and paper checks will take even longer this year due to a variety of reasons. Taxpayers have until Thursday, April 15, 2021, to file their 2020 tax return and pay any tax owed. The IRS expects to receive more than 160 million individual tax returns this year with nine out of 10 returns filed electronically. At least eight out of 10 taxpayers get their refunds by using direct deposit. "The pandemic has created a variety of tax law changes and has created some unique circumstances for this filing season," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "To avoid issues, the IRS urges taxpayers to take some simple steps to help ensure they get their refund as quickly as possible, starting with filing electronically and using direct deposit. "Following months of hard work, we are ready to start this year's tax season," Rettig added. "Getting to this point is always a year-round effort for the IRS and the nation's tax community. Doing it in a continuing COVID-19 environment while simultaneously delivering stimulus payments for the nation is an unprecedented accomplishment by IRS employees. I also want to thank all our tax partners and tax professionals for their hard work that makes tax time smoother for the nation. All of us stand ready to serve America's taxpayers during this important filing season." Wage and Investment Commissioner and Chief Taxpayer Experience Officer Ken Corbin provides an in-depth perspective on how the IRS is preparing for a successful filing season in his A Closer Look column. Be tax ready: Review pandemic-related changes Recovery Rebate Credit helps people still eligible for Economic Impact Payments New language preferences to help taxpayers The IRS also wants to remind taxpayers of other important changes that could impact their tax return this year. Remember to factor in retirement plan distributions Taxpayers should also remember that they can make contributions to traditional IRAs until April 15, 2021, and still deduct that amount on their 2020 tax return, if eligible. New for 2020: non-itemizers can deduct $300 for charitable cash contributions Now more than ever, e-file is best The fastest way to get a refund is to file electronically and use direct deposit. Most refunds are issued in less than 21 days, but some refunds may take longer for a variety of reasons. Taxpayers can track their refund using "Where's My Refund?" on IRS.gov or by downloading the IRS2Go mobile app where they'll get a personalized refund date as soon as 24 hours after the tax return is electronically submitted. Most early Earned Income Tax Credit/Additional Child Tax Credit filers should see an update to "Where's My Refund?" by Feb. 22. The IRS cannot answer refund status inquiries unless it has been 21 days since the return was electronically filed. IRS tax help is available 24 hours a day on IRS.gov, where people can find answers to tax questions and resolve tax issues online from the safety of their home. The Let Us Help You page helps answer most tax questions, and the IRS Services Guide PDF links to other important IRS services. Thank you for subscribing to the IRS Newswire, an IRS e-mail service. If you know someone who might want to subscribe to this mailing list, please forward this message to them so they can subscribe. This message was distributed automatically from the mailing list IRS Newswire. Please Do Not Reply To This Message. |
Thursday, February 11, 2021
IR-2021-35: Avoid pandemic paper delays: Use e-file with direct deposit for faster refunds as IRS prepares to open 2020 filing season
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