The IRS has reminded taxpayers to file their 2020 tax returns by the upcoming October 15, 2021 due date. Taxpayers must file on or before the extension deadline to avoid the penalty for filing late if they request an extension. Tax returns can still be filed through electronic filing options, such as the IRS Free File.
However, the following taxpayers may have more time to file their returns:
- members of the military and others serving in a combat zone as they have 180 days after they leave the combat zone to file returns and pay any taxes due, and
- taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas who already had valid extensions.
Taxpayers are usually not penalized for failure to file if a refund is due. However, people risk losing the refund if they wait too long to file and claim a refund. Taxpayers can avoid additional penalties and interest by filing the 2020 return as soon as possible and paying any taxes owed.
Taxpayers must remember the following while paying federal taxes electronically:
- electronic payment options are the best way to make a tax payment,
- payment can be made when taxpayers file electronically using tax software online,
- IRS Direct Pay permits taxpayers to directly pay online from a checking or savings account for free and to schedule payments up to 365 days in advance,
- taxpayers can pay with a credit card, debit card or digital wallet option through a payment processor, which would charge a fee for the transfer,
- the IRS2Go app provides mobile-friendly payment options, including Direct Pay and debit or credit card payments on mobile devices, and
- payment can be made conveniently using the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System Voice Response System.
Further, taxpayers can see the following information while preparing their tax return or following up on balances or notices through their online account:
- adjusted gross income,
- economic impact payment amounts,
- estimated tax payment amounts,
- amount owed for any past years, updated for the current calendar day,
- payment history and any scheduled or pending payments,
- payment plan details,
- digital copies of select notices from the IRS, and
- approve or reject authorization requests from tax professional
Direct Deposit for Refunds
Taxpayers must file electronically and have their refund electronically deposited into their bank or other financial accounts for safe and quick refund receipt. Taxpayers can use direct deposit to deposit their refund into one or more accounts or purchase U.S. Savings Bonds. People can visit the FDIC website or the National Credit Union Association to use their Credit Union Locator Tool for information on opening an online bank or credit union account if they do not have a bank account. Further, veterans can use the Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP) to access financial services at participating banks.
Monthly Advance Child Tax Credit Payments
The IRS is using previous year tax information, 2019 for most, for determination of the credit amount for those eligible and on extension for their 2020 tax returns. People who request an extension must file as soon as possible if they experience a significant change like the birth of a child in 2020. The IRS can calculate the credit based on the 2020 return and pay it out in total over the remaining months in 2021 once that return is processed.
Taxpayers may be eligible for two payments of half the credit in 2021 if they file and have their 2020 return processed on or before November 1, 2021. Similarly, people may be eligible for one payment if they file and have their return processed on or before November 29, 2021. The IRS has encouraged taxpayers to file electronically for quick processing of returns and to avoid delays.
Claiming Missing Stimulus Payments
To claim missing stimulus payments, eligible people must file a 2020 tax return or use the Child Tax Credit Non-filer Sign-up Tool soon, even if they usually do not file. The IRS will also automatically evaluate the taxpayer’s eligibility for the third economic impact payment when the 2020 return is processed. It will continue to issue eligible taxpayers their third economic impact payment and plus-up payments through the end of 2021.
