The IRS began accepting 2021 individual tax returns on January 24. If you haven’t prepared yet for tax season, here are two quick tips to help speed processing and avoid hassles.
Tip 1. Gather all documents needed to prepare an accurate return. You may have received statements or letters in connection with Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) or advance Child Tax Credit (CTC) payments.
- Letter 6419, 2021 Total Advance Child Tax Credit Payments, tells taxpayers who received CTC payments how much they received. Since the advance payments represented about one-half of the total credit, taxpayers who received CTC payments need to file a return to collect the rest of the credit.
- Letter 6475, Your Third Economic Impact Payment, tells taxpayers who received an EIP in 2021 the amount of that payment. Taxpayers need to know the amount to determine if they can claim an additional amount on their tax returns.
Failure to include this information means a return is incomplete and will require additional processing, which may delay any refund owed to the taxpayer.
Tip 2. Check certain information on your prepared return. Each Social Security number on your tax return should appear exactly as printed on the Social Security card(s). Likewise, make sure that names aren’t misspelled. If you’re receiving your refund by direct deposit, check the bank account number.
