The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began accepting and processing 2021 tax returns on Monday, January 24, 2021; however, you may not have everything you need to file yet. W-2s are due to be mailed no later than January 31. Despite a slightly earlier start date than last year, the ongoing pandemic and the lack of resources at the IRS could make this filing season challenging, so filing electronically with direct deposit is more important than ever.
“The pandemic continues to create challenges, but the IRS reminds people there are important steps they can take to help ensure their tax return and refund don’t face processing delays,” IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said. “Avoiding a paper tax return will be more important than ever this year to avert processing delays.”
The deadline for filing 2021 tax returns is Monday, April 18, 2022, which is three days later than normal due to the Emancipation holiday in the District of Columbia. April 18 is also the deadline for filing an extension, which will then give taxpayers until Oct 17 to file their 2021 return. Remember though, the extension doesn’t cover the taxes owed. Those will still have to be paid by April 18. Tornado victims in Arkansas, Kentucky, Illinois and Missouri, as well as victims of the Colorado wildfires, have until May 16 to file and pay their 2021 federal taxes.