28 Feb Tax Season: Resources to Help You File this Year
Tax Season: Resources to Help You File this Year
As the workforce development board serving Mecklenburg County, we understand that job seeker success requires holistic service. External barriers outside our scope of services including utility needs, transportation, child care, social-emotional support, and more can all prevent an individual from successfully becoming a member of the workforce. While these needs outside of our scope of services are not our expertise, in this series we will share resources and information for partners that can help with these challenges.
One challenge many job seekers and workers alike are currently dealing with is filing taxes. A NerdWallet survey showed that the average American adult received an “F” on a quiz with basic tax questions, we thought this would be a good time to share information and resources to help.
While filing taxes can be stressful, the economic and operational impact from COVID-19 may make it even more troublesome this year. The US Treasury Department has stated that taxpayers should expect delays due to the number of backlogged returns still processing from 2021. One major change job seekers will want to note is the loss of the benefit for 2021 from the American Rescue Plan Act that waived taxes on up to $10,200 of unemployment compensation for 2020.
Filing taxes doesn’t have to be a headache
Fortunately, the IRS claims that 9 out of 10 refunds be issued in less than 21 days as long as they don’t need review and are completed online. With 160 million tax returns to be filed, having your taxes filed correctly and opting for direct deposit will increase your chances of a quick return. We’ve compiled some helpful information to assist with these things, so you can get your return as soon as possible.
For information on the free tax filing services offered by our partners at Goodwill, head to: https://goodwillsp.org/event/vita-site-open/
To read what the IRS says about preparing to file your tax return, head here: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes
Resources:
- For help with tax forms, head to: https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions
- For information about the Child Tax Credit, visit: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-update-portal
- For additional information related to unemployment compensation, visit: https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc418
Ways to File:
- From free to paid service, there are a multitude of ways to file your taxes. The North Carolina Department of Revenue offers free filing service. To see if your eligible check out: https://www.ncdor.gov/file-pay/efile-information-ncfreefile-and-efile-fee
- The IRS offers free tax-filing for qualified taxpayers. To see if you’re eligible head to: https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free
- To see if you qualify for the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs, go to: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers
- If you do qualify, you can search for the closest filing site at: https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/
- January 14: IRS Free File opens. Taxpayers can begin filing returns through IRS Free File partners; tax returns will be transmitted to the IRS starting January 24. Tax software companies also are accepting tax filings in advance.
- January 18: Due date for tax year 2021 fourth quarter estimated tax payment.
- January 24: IRS begins 2022 tax season. Individual 2021 tax returns begin being accepted and processing begins
- January 28: Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day to raise awareness of valuable tax credits available to many people – including the option to use prior-year income to qualify.
- April 18: Due date to file 2021 tax return or request extension and pay tax owed due to Emancipation Day holiday in Washington, D.C., even for those who live outside the area.
- April 19: Due date to file 2021 tax return or request extension and pay tax owed for those who live in MA or ME due to Patriots’ Day holiday
- October 17: Due date to file for those requesting an extension on their 2021 tax returns
If you’re looking for financial education for the rest of the year, check out Common Wealth Charlotte.
Charlotte Works, through the NCWorks Career Centers, provides job seekers with career information and guidance, access to education or training, which can lead to sustainable income and meaningful employment. You can learn more here.
By Ryan Nelson
Data Analyst