News & Updates

Taxpayers who aren't able to file by the April 18, 2023, deadline can request an extension before that deadline, but they should know that an extension to file is not an extension to pay taxes. If they owe taxes, they should pay them before the due date to avoid potential penalties and interest on the amount owed.

Taxpayers who request a six-month extension to file their taxes have until October 16, 2023, to file their 2022 federal income tax return.

How to request a free extension to file for a return with no tax due

Individual taxpayers, regardless of income, can use IRS Free File at IRS.gov/freefile to request an automatic six-month tax-filing extension. Alternatively, taxpayers can file Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File.

How to request an extension when making a payment for a return with taxes due

Taxpayers can choose to submit an electronic payment and select Form 4868 or extension as the payment type. The IRS will count it as an extension automatically, and taxpayers won't need to file Form 4868.

Victims in FEMA disaster areas may have an automatic extension

The IRS may offer an automatic extension to areas designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. To check whether an area is included, see Tax Relief in Disaster Situations. Taxpayers in the affected areas do not need to file any extension paperwork, and they do not need to call the IRS to qualify for the extended time.

U.S. citizens and resident aliens abroad and military members in combat zones may have more time to pay

Taxpayers living overseas, including members of the military and eligible support personnel serving in combat zones may also have extra time to file their tax returns and pay any taxes due.

‍

The IRS offers a variety of tax resources and information designed to help members of the military community navigate their unique and sometimes complex tax situations. Reviewing these resources before filing can make completing an accurate tax return easier.

Here are some of these resources.

• Tax Information for Members of the Military is the main page on IRS.gov where people can go to find links to helpful info, resources and services.
  
• A taxpayer's military status affects whether they are eligible for certain benefits. Taxpayers can check their eligibility for military tax benefits by visiting IRS.gov. Qualifying employers include the Armed Forces, uniformed services and support organizations.
  
• The Armed Forces' Tax Guide is a comprehensive IRS publication for military members. It covers:
• Special rules for military personnel serving abroad, including deadline extensions
• Unreimbursed moving expenses
• Reserve component travel expenses
  
• The Department of Defense provides MilTax as a free tax resource for the military community. Those eligible for MilTax include members of the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines and National Guard. Coast Guard members serving under Title 10 authority are entitled to this resource as well. Retired and honorably discharged members are authorized to use the program for up to 180 days past their separation.
  There are no income limits. This program includes tax preparation and electronic filing software, personalized support from tax consultants and current information about filing taxes. It's designed to address the realities of military life – including deployments, combat and training pay, housing and rentals and multistate filings. Eligible taxpayers can use MilTax to electronically file a federal tax return and up to three state returns for free.
  
• Those who do not qualify for MilTax have other options to prepare and e-file their federal taxes for free online.
  
• Many military installations offer free income tax assistance in-person through the military Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Military service members can contact their installation's legal office for details. Veterans may also qualify for free tax help at several locations nationwide if they meet income or age requirements.
  
• Specific rules apply to those who serve in combat zones. These taxpayers and their families can visit the Tax Exclusion for Combat Service page of IRS.gov to learn more. They should also review special rules for the earned income tax credit. If these apply to their tax situation, it could lead to a larger refund.
  
• Information for veterans is available at IRS.gov/veterans. This page has federal tax-related information about tax credits and benefits, free tax preparation, financial education and asset-building opportunities available to veterans.

‍

Whether someone travels for work once a year or once a month, figuring out travel expense tax write-offs might seem confusing. The IRS has information to help all business travelers properly claim these valuable deductions.

Here are some tax details all business travelers should know

Business travel deductions are available when employees must travel away from their tax home or main place of work for business reasons. A taxpayer is traveling away from home if they are away for longer than an ordinary day's work and they need to sleep to meet the demands of their work while away.

Travel expenses must be ordinary and necessary. They can't be lavish, extravagant or for personal purposes.

Employers can deduct travel expenses paid or incurred during a temporary work assignment if the assignment length does not exceed one year.

Travel expenses for conventions are deductible if attendance benefits the business. There are special rules for conventions held outside North America.

Deductible travel expenses include:

• Travel by airplane, train, bus or car between your home and your business destination.
• Fares for taxis or other types of transportation between an airport or train station and a hotel, or from a hotel to a work location.
• Shipping of baggage and sample or display material between regular and temporary work locations.
• Using a personally owned car for business.
• Lodging and meals.
• Dry cleaning and laundry.
• Business calls and communication.
• Tips paid for services related to any of these expenses.
• Other similar ordinary and necessary expenses related to the business travel.

Self-employed individuals or farmers with travel deductions

• Those who are self-employed can deduct travel expenses on Schedule C (Form 1040), Profit or Loss From Business (Sole Proprietorship).
• Farmers can use Schedule F (Form 1040), Profit or Loss From Farming.

Travel deductions for the National Guard or military reserves

National Guard or military reserve servicemembers can claim a deduction for unreimbursed travel expenses paid during the performance of their duty.

Recordkeeping

Well-organized records make it easier to prepare a tax return. Keep records such as receipts, canceled checks and other documents that support a deduction.

‍

Receiving a tax refund is happy news to any taxpayer; getting it quickly is even better. Direct deposit is the safest and most convenient way to receive a tax refund. The IRS encourages taxpayers to file when they are ready and choose direct deposit to receive any refund they may be owed.

Benefits of choosing IRS direct deposit:

• It's fast. The fastest way for taxpayers to get their refund is to file electronically and choose direct deposit. Visit IRS.gov for details about IRS Free File, Free File Fillable Forms, free tax return preparation and more. Taxpayers who file a paper return can also choose direct deposit, but it will take longer to process the return and get a refund.
  
• It's secure. Since refunds are electronically deposited, there's no risk of having a paper check stolen or lost in the mail.
  
• It's easy. Taxpayers can simply follow the instructions when selecting direct deposit as a refund method and enter their account information as directed. They must enter the correct account and routing numbers when they file.
  
• It provides options. Taxpayers can split a refund into several financial accounts. These include checking, savings, health, education and certain retirement accounts. They should use IRS Form 8888, Allocation of Refund, Including Savings Bond Purchases to deposit a refund in up to three accounts. This form cannot be used to designate part of a refund to pay tax preparers.

Taxpayers should deposit refunds into U.S. bank accounts in their own name, their spouse's name or both. They should avoid making a deposit into accounts owned by others. Some banks require both spouses' names on the account to deposit a tax refund from a joint return. Taxpayers should check with their bank for direct deposit rules.

Get a bank account

Taxpayers who don't have a bank account can visit the FDIC website for information on banks that let them open an account online and how to choose the right account. Veterans can use the Veterans Benefits Banking Program for access to financial services at participating banks.

Mobile apps may be an option

Some mobile apps and prepaid debit cards allow for direct deposit of tax refunds. They must have routing and account numbers associated with them that can be entered on a tax return. Taxpayers should check with the mobile app provider or financial institution to confirm which numbers to use.

Taxpayers must have their routing and account numbers for direct deposit available when they are ready to file. The IRS can't accept this information after a return is filed.

There is a limit of three direct deposit refunds made into a single financial account or prepaid debit card.

‍

As people get ready to file a 2022 tax return, they may have questions or need additional information. IRS.gov has tools and resources that can put the information a taxpayer needs at their fingertips. Taxpayers can bookmark the links below or save them as favorites on their computer or other device. Having this info just a click away can help taxpayers approach tax season with confidence.

• Let Us Help You page. This page has links to information and resources on a wide range of topics for both individual taxpayers and businesses.
  
• Online Account. An IRS Online Account lets taxpayers securely access their personal tax information, including tax return transcripts, payment history, certain notices, prior year adjusted gross income (AGI) and power of attorney information. They can also log in to verify if their name and address is correct. Taxpayers should notify the IRS if their address has changed. It's also important taxpayers notify the Social Security Administration of a legal name change to avoid a delay in processing their tax return.
  
• IRS Free File. Most taxpayers can file their tax return electronically for free using IRS Free File at IRS.gov/freefile. This program is available only through IRS.gov and offers brand-name tax preparation software packages at no cost. The software does all the work of finding deductions, credits and exemptions for filers. It's free for those who qualify. Some IRS Free File packages also offer free state tax return preparation. Those who are comfortable preparing their own taxes can use Free File Fillable Forms, regardless of their income, to file their tax return.
  
• Find a tax professional. The Choosing a Tax Professional page on IRS.gov has a wealth of information to help filers find professional tax help. The Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications can help taxpayers find preparers in their area who hold professional credentials recognized by the IRS.
  
• Interactive Tax Assistant. The Interactive Tax Assistant tool answers many tax questions. It can determine if a type of income is taxable or if a taxpayer is eligible to claim certain credits or deductions. It also answers general questions, such as determining whether a taxpayer needs to file, what their filing status is, or if they're eligible to claim a dependent.
  
• Where's My Refund? Taxpayers can use this tool to check the status of their refund. Current year refund information is usually available online within 24 hours after the IRS receives an e-filed tax return. Status on a paper return can take up to four weeks to appear. The tool updates once every 24 hours, usually overnight, so taxpayers need to check only once a day.
  
• Free Tax Assistance. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.

‍