When Does Tax Season End

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When Does Tax Season Start In 2021

Tax season can’t come fast enough for the millions of Americans who need their refund to pay essential expenses, and those who are still waiting to receive a stimulus check. But for the moment, you’ll have to wait.

The IRS announced that the start of the 2021 tax season will be on Feb. 12 this year two weeks later than it usually is. Last year, for example, tax season began on Jan. 27.

As of December, 10.7 million Americans are unemployed. Many are counting on their tax refund to make ends meet. And higher earners who lost their jobs last year are waiting for a stimulus payment, since they wouldn’t have qualified based on the prior criteria. They’ll need to file their 2020 taxes to get the stimulus money theyre owed via the Recovery Rebate Credit.

The IRS has said that the delayed start date allows the agency to conduct extra testing to ensure that the systems are ready to handle changes to the tax return process as a result of the stimulus payments.

Both stimulus payments the one sent out last spring and the one being issued right now were determined by your income as noted on your most recent tax return. That should be 2019 for the current stimulus, but it might have been 2018 for the checks that started going out last April. The way the rebate works, anyone who newly qualifies for stimulus money based on their 2020 income would get the payments through their 2020 tax return instead of via direct deposit or mail.

How To Time Selling

Regardless of whether youre buying or selling, Steve DiGregorio, portfolio manager at Canoe Financial, recommends that you act swiftly and aggressively as liquidity will dry up. DiGregorio earmarks the second and third week of December as the ideal window to sell or buy at a low point.

This is well ahead of the Santa Claus rally the period around the last week of December when stocks tend to rise ahead of a healthier market in January.

For now, the year isnt over yet, so whether youre tax-loss selling or buying, theres still time to talk to your accountant or financial advisor to determine which approach is best for you.

This is an updated version of an article first published by the Investing News Network in 2014.

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Securities Disclosure: I, Melissa Pistilli, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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Getting Documents From Employers

You need certain documents from your employer to begin filing your taxes, and some of these may not be available to you on the day tax season officially begins. Taxpayers can expect to receive W-2s from their employers prior to January 31 of each year, which is the deadline set by the IRS for tax forms to be issued by employers. In the absence of W-2s or 1099s, taxpayers can start their income tax returns using their last paystub of the previous year and IRS Form 4852.

Where Can I Find Help With My Taxes

You can find helpful and affordable assistance by choosing a provider from CNET’s roundup of the best tax software for 2021. But the IRS does offer some free tax help, too. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is designed to offer guidance to people who make less than $54,000 per year, have disabilities or have limited facility with English. And the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program specializes in tax issues that affect people who are 60 or older. Due to COVID-19, however, many VITA sites, and all TCE sites, have been closed. For now the IRS’ International Taxpayer Service Call Center remains available at 267-941-1000, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET.

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How Will The Tax Deadline Extension Affect Taxpayers

Whether youre filing as an individual, a business, a trust, an estate or anything else, your 2020 tax year federal tax filing and payment deadline is now May 17. You wont need to take any action in order to take advantage of this extension.

However, the federal government recommends that taxpayers file their taxes as soon as possible, particularly those who are expecting tax refunds. Earlier in the year, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said that he wanted those refunds to get into peoples hands as soon as possible. This influx of cash is a great way for people to cushion the financial hit from the pandemic.

What Is Not Covered By The Extension:

• The extension does not apply to federal tax returns and payments that are not due on April 15, 2020, which means estimated tax payments for the second quarter of 2020 are still due on June 15, 2020, and tax returns and payments for taxpayers who use a fiscal year rather than the calendar year generally will not be eligible for the extension.
• The extension is generally not available to S corporations, partnerships, and LLCs treated as partnerships because their tax returns were generally due on March 16, 2020.
• The extension does not apply to information returns, payroll tax deposits, excise taxes, or any other taxes other than federal income taxes, but the IRS has similarly extended the due date for filing 2019 gift and generation-skipping transfer tax returns and making payments that were otherwise due April 15, 2020.
• The extension does not apply to claims for refund that are required to be filed by April 15, 2020.
• The extension does not apply to state tax filing and payment deadlines, but many states have issued their own form of relief in response to the federal extension.

The facts, laws, and regulations regarding COVID-19 are developing rapidly. Since the date of publication, there may be new or additional information not referenced in this advisory. Please consult with your legal counsel for guidance.

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What Is Turbotax Live Full Service

TurboTax has recently launched TurboTax Live Full Service in advance of the 2021 tax filing season. This new feature enables taxpayers to connect with a live tax expert from the comfort of their own homes.

Not only can you ask tax questions and receive personalized answers, but they will prepare and file your tax return on your behalf.

You will be matched with a tax expert based on your state and tax situation. There are also tax experts available in English and Spanish.

Who May Need To Be Careful Before Spending

There are many families who could be affected by this. If you switched to a higher-paying job, for instance, or your spouse went back to work after being unemployed for most or all of 2020, you could be in a higher tax bracket next year, which could change your tax math, said Matthew Saneholtz, a Florida-based CFP with Tobias Financial Advisors.

Also, if you sold property for a gain and therefore earned more income in 2021, you could possibly have to pay the credit back when you file your 2021 tax return because you owe more taxes than the credit is worth, Saneholtz said.

If you fall into those categories or you can afford not to use the credit payments immediately, you may want to opt out, via an IRS portal that will be available soon, or at the very least, save half of each payment until you file your 2021 return. “I know not a fun answer, but nobody wants to be surprised by owing taxes,” Saneholtz said.

Divorced parents should also be cautious, said Lili Vasileff, a Connecticut-based CFP and divorce expert with Wealth Protection Management. “This year marks a unique year for calculating child support and alimony because of the cash flow and tax credits available to custodial parent,” she said.

It’s likely that the IRS will begin sending the advance payments to the parent who claims the child on their tax return in 2020, because the agency typically defaults to using the most up-to-date information on file.

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To Speed Refunds And Help With Their Tax Filing The Irs Urges People To Follow These Simple Steps:

• File electronically and use direct deposit for the quickest refunds.
• Check IRS.gov for the latest tax information, including the latest on Economic Impact Payments. There is no need to call.
• For those who may be eligible for stimulus payments, they should carefully review the guidelines for the Recovery Rebate Credit. Most people received Economic Impact Payments automatically, and anyone who received the maximum amount does not need to include any information about their payments when they file. However, those who didn’t receive a payment or only received a partial payment may be eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit when they file their 2020 tax return. Tax preparation software, including IRS Free File, will help taxpayers figure the amount.
• Remember, advance stimulus payments received separately are not taxable, and they do not reduce the taxpayer’s refund when they file in 2021.

When The Deadline Is Different

Submit your online return by 30 December if you want HMRC to automatically collect tax you owe from your wages and pension. You must be eligible.

HMRC must receive a paper tax return by 31 January if youre a trustee of a registered pension scheme or a non-resident company. You cannot send a return online.

HMRC might also email or write to you giving you a different deadline.

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How Do I File My Taxes Online

CNET has rounded up the best tax software, featuring vendors such as TurboTax, H& R Block and TaxSlayer. These companies can make the tax filing process much easier, from reporting your taxable or self-employed income to setting up direct deposit to going through your itemized deductions.

That noted, the IRS provides a list of free online tax prep software offered by many of those same providers. You can use this service if you meet certain criteria and have a relatively simple tax situation. Requirements include: You make less than $72,000 annually, you don’t itemize deductions and you don’t own a business. This will likely be helpful for people who do not typically have to file taxes but need to do so this year to claim missing stimulus money.

If you want to itemize deductions or have a more complex financial situation — you run a business, have investments or generate rental income — you’ll have to pay for a higher tier of service, which can run a couple hundred dollars. Still, for most people, even the most deluxe online package is far less expensive than hiring an authorized tax pro. And if you prefer to keep it old-school, the IRS’ online tax forms handle some but not all of the calculations for you and still allow you to e-file or print and mail.

A number of online tax software providers will help you file for free.

Tax Day For Individuals Extended To May 1: Treasury Irs Extend Filing And Payment Deadline

• IRS Statements and Announcements

IR-2021-59, March 17, 2021

WASHINGTON The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced today that the federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year will be automatically extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021. The IRS will be providing formal guidance in the coming days.

“This continues to be a tough time for many people, and the IRS wants to continue to do everything possible to help taxpayers navigate the unusual circumstances related to the pandemic, while also working on important tax administration responsibilities,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “Even with the new deadline, we urge taxpayers to consider filing as soon as possible, especially those who are owed refunds. Filing electronically with direct deposit is the quickest way to get refunds, and it can help some taxpayers more quickly receive any remaining stimulus payments they may be entitled to.”

Individual taxpayers can also postpone federal income tax payments for the 2020 tax year due on April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This postponement applies to individual taxpayers, including individuals who pay self-employment tax. Penalties, interest and additions to tax will begin to accrue on any remaining unpaid balances as of May 17, 2021. Individual taxpayers will automatically avoid interest and penalties on the taxes paid by May 17.

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Why Filing Early Can Make Sense

Even though many taxpayers file their tax returns on or by about April 15 every year, there is no need to put it off until the last minute. Indeed, filing an early tax return can make sense for a variety of reasons.

The IRS will begin processing tax returns for the 2020 tax year on Feb. 12, 2021. Even if you don’t file early, there are reasons to begin preparation as soon as you can.

Starting your filing process early gives you the time you need to collect the evidence needed to claim all of your deductions. You will avoid the headache of the middle of the night stress over figures and receipts. Your accountant will have a more flexible schedule and will probably be able to start working on your accounts immediately. Also, by filing early, you will short circuit would-be identity thieves.

Who Is A Provisional Taxpayer

• If you receive interest of less than R23 800 if you are under 65 or
• If you receive interest of less than R34 500 if you are 65 and older or
• You receive exempt amount from a tax free savings account.

• natural person who derives income, other than remuneration or an allowance or advance as mentioned in section 8 or who derives remuneration from an employer who is not registered for employees tax
• company or

• Half of the total estimated tax for the full year
• Less the employees tax for this period
• Less any allowable foreign tax credits for this period .

For more information on how to work out the amounts due, .

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Do I Need To File An Income Tax Return For The 2021 Tax Year

The South African Revenue Service continues to focus on introducing online and digital services, simplifying the tax-filing process, and making it easier for taxpayers to comply. As tax season opens, Liezl Alberts, tax specialist at Allan Gray, helps investors figure out if they need to file a tax return and how to go about it.

Filing season opened on 1 July 2021, with a significant number of taxpayers being assessed automatically. Below we provide key dates to diarise and provide answers to some frequently asked questions.

Sars Tax Year 2021 For Individuals

Individual income tax return filing dates for 2021 :

• Taxpayers who file online – 1 July to 23 November 2021
• Taxpayers who cannot file electronically can do so at a SARS branch by appointment
• Provisional taxpayers who file online / electronically – 1 July to 28 January 2022

When does SARS Tax season 2021 Start in South Africa? SARS tax year 2021

Check you phone and see if you received their SMS, it reads as follows

Dear eFiler, tax season starts 1 July 2021. Forgot your SARS eFiling login name and password? Obtain or reset via eFiling or call 0800007277.

Regards, SARS

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Tax Filing Season Begins Feb 12 Irs Outlines Steps To Speed Refunds During Pandemic

• IRS Statements and Announcements

IR-2021-16, January 15, 2021

WASHINGTON The Internal Revenue Service announced that the nation’s tax season will start on Friday, February 12, 2021, when the tax agency will begin accepting and processing 2020 tax year returns.

The February 12 start date for individual tax return filers allows the IRS time to do additional programming and testing of IRS systems following the December 27 tax law changes that provided a second round of Economic Impact Payments and other benefits.

This programming work is critical to ensuring IRS systems run smoothly. If filing season were opened without the correct programming in place, then there could be a delay in issuing refunds to taxpayers. These changes ensure that eligible people will receive any remaining stimulus money as a Recovery Rebate Credit when they file their 2020 tax return.

To speed refunds during the pandemic, the IRS urges taxpayers to file electronically with direct deposit as soon as they have the information they need. People can begin filing their tax returns immediately with tax software companies, including IRS Free File partners. These groups are starting to accept tax returns now, and the returns will be transmitted to the IRS starting February 12.

Last year’s average tax refund was more than $2,500. More than 150 million tax returns are expected to be filed this year, with the vast majority before the Thursday, April 15 deadline.