When to file tax returns and where to find forms
How soon can I file my income tax return?
As soon as you receive the information you need to file (W-2, Unemployment 1099G, bank interest, etc.) you may fill out both the federal and state income tax forms and mail them in. If you efile your return the first acceptance date will be January 31.
This year the IRS and most states including New York state will not provide a projected refund date. In 2012 the IRS issued more than 9 out of 10 refunds to taxpayers in less than 21 days and anticipates the same results in 2013.
To help you track the processing of your return the IRS has established a site http://www.irs.gov/Refunds/Where’s-My-Refund-It’s-Quick,-Easy,-and-Secure, a cell phone app IRS2GO, and for those electronically-challenged taxpayers a Refund Hotline 1-800-829-1954.
The IRS has also joined New York state in the practice of reviewing some returns with refundable credits (Earned Income Credit, etc.) before sending the taxpayer their refund which will delay the processing of those returns and refunds expected.
The IRS cautions you to not count on your refunds by a certain date. Even though they issue most refunds within the 21 day period, it’s possible your return may require additional review and a longer processing time.
Where do I get the forms & instructions?
As of January 1, 2013 most federal and state forms are still in draft form and not ready to be filed. When they become available a little later in the month check at your local post office for the frequently used federal forms.
Otherwise: federal forms and instructions are available on the internet at http://www.irs.gov/Forms-&-Pubs, your local IRS office, or you can order up to 10 different forms and instructions to be mailed to your address by calling 1-800-829-3676.
The IRS will send two copies of each form and instructions to you. New York state forms are only available on the internet at: http://www.tax.ny.gov/forms/other_ways_to_get_forms.htm or by calling (518) 457-5431.
In either case it usually takes 10 to15 days after they are available for your forms to arrive.
Questions for Deborah Ritz can be e-mailed to WeeklyADK@yahoo.com
