As you begin to compile your information for the 2022 tax filing season, consider some of the following steps you can take to ensure your tax return and refund don’t face delays.
Organize your tax docs early
Getting your information together early will allow you to begin your return process as soon as possible. Employers are required to send W-2s by the last day of January each year, but unfortunately, not all employers and institutions are not always prepared and on time.
Check in with HR and all your online accounts to make sure your address is updated and look for any documents that can be received electronically instead of by mail.
M&S will provide an annual tax organizer to help gather the appropriate 2022 tax information. When gathering your paperwork, here are some common documents to include:
- W-2s from employers
- Form 1099-G from the state unemployment department if you were unemployed at any point in 2022
- 1099s from anyone who paid you miscellaneous, contract, or other relevant funds
- Documents showing medical, educational, childcare, or other expenses, especially if you’re itemizing
- Statements regarding investments or mortgage interest payments
- Receipts to document deductible expenses
The earlier we receive your information, the sooner we can complete your return. Although we realize there may be some required information out of your control, (such as K-1’s or other statements) please send us all your other information. The earlier the information is received in whole, the more likely we are able to complete it in a timely manner.
If your documents are submitted to us before February 28, we average a 10-day turnaround. If it's between March 1 and March 15, it may take up to a month (with an expected completion by April 18). Unfortunately, if we do not receive your information until after March 15, we cannot guarantee the return will be completed and will likely have to request an extension.
Keep track of any changes to your situation
When organizing and submitting your documents to us, please keep in mind if you have had any changes in the past year that may affect your filing. These can include (but are not limited to):
- Moving
- Changing jobs or becoming self-employed
- Establishing new entities
- Bankruptcy or other taxable debt forgiveness
- Large gifts or establishing estate planning tools (certain trusts or other transfer vehicles)
- Fully utilizing any carryforwards (this may result in owing taxes or requiring estimated tax payments going forward)
- Acquiring/selling real property or large purchases in states with transfer taxes
Be sure to note these or any other changes when you reach out to your tax partner.
Use TaxCaddy
To provide you with the smoothest tax season experience, our Firm is continuing to use TaxCaddy. If you are a Mowery & Schoenfeld client and have not done so already, we encourage you to sign up for a TaxCaddy account with us. This will allow you to share your documents electronically, send messages directly to your preparer, complete signatures, and file all necessary returns.
For more information or to sign up, please reach out to Stephanie at taxcaddy@msllc.com.
Sign your engagement letter docs
This year we emailed and mailed engagement and consent letters for you to review and sign. To begin working on your tax returns, we must receive your signed engagement letter, terms and conditions, and consent forms. You and your spouse much both sign each document. In order to avoid any processing delays, we ask you to sign them upon receipt. If you have not received these forms, please reach out to your tax partner.
File electronically and choose electronic payment or deposits
The quickest way to file your tax return is to opt for electronic filing when you can. In fact, the IRS anticipates most taxpayers will receive their refund within 21 days of when they file electronically if they choose direct deposit and there are no issues with their tax return.
Though most taxpayers already file electronically, around 10 percent of total tax returns still get sent to the IRS on paper. If you can avoid paper filing, you are less likely to encounter delayed refunds, incorrectly assessed penalties, and, of course, lost or delayed mailings.
At Mowery & Schoenfeld, we have technology that allows our clients to submit all tax forms, complete signatures and file returns all from the ease and safety of your home.
Need something from the IRS? Use the website—not the phone lines
During fiscal year (FY) 2021, the IRS received a record 282 million calls, but only 32 million of those calls were answered. Although sometimes there is no other option, you should always check if the information you’re looking for is something you can get online, like the status of your refund. Remember, by working with a tax advisor, you have someone to process and manage most issues on your behalf.
Although Mowery & Schoenfeld will be sending periodic updates and your accountant will notify you of any changes that directly affect your return, the IRS website also updates their website regularly with any news for taxpayers.
Save letters and notices from the IRS
Every year the IRS mails letters or notices to taxpayers for many different reasons, some of which are vital to correctly filing your tax return. Typically, these letters are about a specific issue with a taxpayer's federal tax return or tax account. A notice may tell you about changes to your account, ask for more information, or inform you that you need to make a payment.