When Can You File Taxes?

2021 is coming to an end, and you may be wondering when you can file taxes in 2022?

While you may be looking forward to the holiday season, keep in mind that tax season officially kicks off soon after it ends.

So, When Does Tax Season Start in 2022

The Internal Revenue Service has set the opening day for the 2021, 2022 filing season as Monday, Jan. 24, 2022. That’s when the IRS will start accepting and processing 2021 tax year returns.

Start Filing Your Taxes Early With an Online W-2 Form

In order to begin filing your taxes, you will need a W-2 form. These must come from every employer you had during the last tax year. In addition, for freelancers, you will need to have 1099 forms to file your taxes.

The rules for employers are strict. Any documents relating to tax filing must be submitted and postmarked by January 31st. This means most employees can start filing their taxes before the 1st of February.

However, if you work for someone and you get your W-2 early online, you can start filing taxes immediately.

But don’t worry, you have time. The deadline for filing your taxes for the tax year is usually April 15th.

What Happens if I Didn’t Get My Form?

If you haven’t received your W-2 by the middle of February, you need to contact your employer. According to IRS guidelines, this is your responsibility.

Only when this strategy doesn’t work should you call the IRS at 800-829-1040. You’ll need to have the following information during this call:

Personal Identifying Information – This includes things like your name, address, and social security number.

Employer Details – You’ll need to tell the IRS who your employer is, their address, and their phone number.

Working Dates – Provide information on how long you worked there, including specific dates.

Financial Information – The IRS will also ask for an estimate of how much you were paid and how much of your salary was withheld for tax purposes.

What if I Still Don’t Have My W-2?

In the event you’re unable to obtain your W-2 by the tax filing deadline, you should use Form 4852.

Form 4852 is a substitute for W-2 forms. Again, you’ll need to estimate how much you were paid and how much tax was withheld to the best of your ability.

However, refunds will typically take longer as the IRS will manually verify the numbers you’ve provided.

It’s also possible to use IRS Free File and file for a six-month extension.

If you happen to file Form 4852 and then your W-2 arrives, you’ll need to use Form 1040X and file an amended tax return.

After filing Form 1040X, you should receive any tax refund you’re entitled to within the standard 21 days.

You Can Start Online Tax Filing at Any Time

When you file your taxes online, you are guided step by step with simple, plain-English questions and apply the applicable tax laws in the background.

We also do the math and fill in all the correct tax forms. We will even recommend the best choices for you when it comes to filing status, deductions and credits, and other areas that affect your taxes.

Plus, we check your return for errors and tell you how to fix them. And if you’re ever unsure of an answer or need some expert advice on your taxes, you can talk one-on-one with one of our highly-skilled tax professionals for free.