Latest news with #IRS2Go

Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Where is my tax refund? Check status in Ohio; major change may affect 2026 refunds
Now that Tax Season is over, many Americans await their tax refunds. But big changes are coming to the way the Internal Revenue Service sends and receives taxpayer funds. An executive order signed by President Donald Trump requires the IRS to implement electronic payment options, effectively putting an end to paper checks, which the White House claims are 16 times more likely to be reported lost or stolen. The move to end the circulation of federal paper checks is effective Sept. 25. Next year's tax season might look different with the absence of paper checks, but there are other methods available to taxpayers. Do you use paper checks? Where is your refund? Here's what to know. If you already filed and are expecting a federal refund, it takes about 21 days to receive it from an e-filed return, and four weeks or more if mailed to the IRS. You can keep track of your federal refund through the IRS' "Where's my refund?" tool, the IRS2Go mobile app. You'll need to enter your filing status, social security or individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN), and exact refund amount. Ohioans who want to track state refunds can do so through the Department of Taxation's eServices Tool. It provides information for IT 1040 or SD 100 forms and is available for the current year and the past two years. The federal government will phase out paper checks for all disbursements, including tax refunds, starting in September 2025. The Trump administration claims that this is to reduce fraud, theft, costs, and delays, USA TODAY reports. Outside of the soon-to-be-ending paper checks, refund payment methods also include direct deposit (fastest), prepaid debit card, Mobile payment apps, or an existing IRA account. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Where's my refund? Trump makes major change to 2026 IRS refunds

Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Haven't filed your taxes yet? Missed the deadline? Here's what the IRS says to do next
The April 15 federal tax deadline has come and gone, but the IRS says you should still submit your tax return soon if you haven't already. Missed the Tax Day deadline? Here's what happens if you delay filing. You could be subject to penalties and interest if you don't file and pay your taxes by the April 15 deadline. After Tax Day, the IRS recommends filing as soon as possible to minimize penalties, especially if you owe money. If you're expecting a refund or don't owe money on your taxes, there's no penalty for filing after the April 15 deadline, but the IRS says taxpayers due a refund should still consider filing as soon as possible. In states like Kentucky, victims of natural disasters can receive extended tax deadlines, which pushes the deadline back to Nov. 3, 2025. Taxpayers living overseas, certain military service members and eligible support personnel in combat zones may also have extra time to file their tax returns, per the IRS. The deadline to request an extension was April 15, which guaranteed six more months (October 15) to file without penalties. However, an extension to file is not an extension to pay if you owe money to the IRS. If you didn't request an extension, the IRS says you should still file your taxes now and pay as much as possible to help reduce penalties and interest. The IRS says taxpayers who don't owe tax or are owed a refund won't have to pay penalties for filing after the April 15 deadline, but should still file ASAP. Those who e-filed tax returns should receive a refund about one month or less from the filing date, according to the IRS. You can typically check your refund status soon after you file using the Where's My Refund tool, downloading the free IRS2Go mobile app or calling 800-829-1954. The refund tracker displays three status types: Return received: The IRS has received and is processing your tax return. Refund approved: If the return is complete and accurate, the IRS will approve and prepare to issue a refund. Refund sent: The refund was sent to your bank or the IRS sent a check through the mail. A refund status will appear 24 hours after you e-file a current-year return, three to four days after e-filing a prior-year return, or four weeks after you file a paper return. Typically, it takes up to 21 days to process an e-filed return, or longer for amended returns and returns sent by mail. The IRS recommends direct deposits as the fastest way to get your refund, rather than a mailed paper check that can take weeks to arrive. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Missed the Tax Day 2025 deadline? Here's what the IRS says to do

Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Taxes are due today. Need more time? Here's how to get an extra six months through the IRS
It's Tax Day 2025, the final day to submit your tax returns to the IRS. Can't meet this year's Tax Day deadline? April 15 is the last day taxpayers can ask the IRS for additional time. Here's how to request a tax filing extension through the IRS. The deadline to submit your tax returns is today, April 15. But if you need more time, you can request an extension. The IRS says that a tax filing extension guarantees the taxpayer six more months to file, moving the deadline to Oct. 15. IRS Free File is one of the easiest ways to request an extension, but taxpayers should still pay taxes owed by April 15 to avoid penalties (the IRS can help you see what you might owe). An extension to file is not an extension to pay. You could be subject to penalties and interest if you don't file your taxes by the April 15 deadline. Even after Tax Day, the IRS recommends filing as soon as possible to minimize penalties, especially if you owe money. If you're expecting a refund or don't owe money on your taxes, there's no penalty for filing after the April 15 deadline, but the IRS says taxpayers due a refund should still consider filing as soon as possible. The IRS has these tips for filing with the Tax Day 2025 deadline looming: File your taxes electronically. The IRS says IRS Free File or IRS Direct File are the best options for electronic filing. They likely lead to fewer mistakes and are the quickest way (along with electronic deposit) to get your refund. Request an extension by April 15. Anyone can use IRS Free File to submit an extension, regardless of income. Remember, an extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay. Make sure your return is accurate. Before filing, double-check that everything is correct, from your address to signing your returns to any figures and identification numbers. It's recommended to take your time to avoid common mistakes. For anyone needing last-minute tax filing help, the IRS has filing information for individuals as well as businesses and self-employed people available on Those who e-filed tax returns should receive a refund about one month or less from the filing date, according to the IRS. You can typically check your refund status soon after you file using the Where's My Refund tool, downloading the free IRS2Go mobile app or calling 800-829-1954. The refund tracker displays three status types: Return received: The IRS has received and is processing your tax return. Refund approved: If the return is complete and accurate, the IRS will approve and prepare to issue a refund. Refund sent: The refund was sent to your bank or the IRS sent a check through the mail. A refund status will appear 24 hours after you e-file a current-year return, three to four days after e-filing a prior-year return, or four weeks after you file a paper return. Typically, it takes up to 21 days to process an e-filed return, or longer for amended returns and returns sent by mail. The IRS recommends direct deposits as the fastest way to get your refund, rather than a mailed paper check that can take weeks to arrive. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Tax Day 2025 deadline is today. How to request more time from the IRS
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
4 Things To Do If You Lost Your Tax Refund Check
Lose your tax refund check? Don't panic — there are steps you can take to track it down and request a replacement. According to the IRS, most tax refunds are issued within 21 days to eight weeks after your return is received. The exact timing depends on how you filed — electronically or by mail — and whether you opted for direct deposit or a paper check. Here's what to do if you lost your tax refund check. Also here's what to do if you're still waiting on an old tax refund. Read Next: Trending Now: Before reaching out to the IRS, double-check that you provided accurate information on your return. Verify your bank account details if you're expecting a direct deposit or confirm your mailing address if you're waiting for a paper check. You can also check with your bank to make sure there are no mistakes on their end. For You: If you lost your refund check, the IRS recommends initiating what is called a refund trace. You can do this through the IRS Where's My Refund tool or the IRS2Go mobile app To check the status of your refund, you'll need: Your Social Security or individual taxpayer ID number Your filing status The exact refund amount on your tax return You can also call the IRS. Call 800-829-1954 to use their automated system or call 800-829-1040 to speak directly with an agent. If you filed a married filing jointly return, the IRS says you must download and submit Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund, to initiate the replacement process. Form 3911 is used to provide information that the IRS needs to trace the loss of an issued refund check. You can find the correct mailing address or fax number on the IRS website. The IRS will investigate and begin the refund replacement process. Your claim is processed in one of two ways: Your check wasn't cashed: Once the original check is canceled, the IRS will send a replacement check. Your check was cashed: The Bureau of Labor Statistics will send a claim package that includes a copy of the cashed check. Follow the instructions and complete the claim package. The BFS will review the claim and signature on the check to determine whether it can issue a replacement check. The investigation and refund replacement process can take up to six weeks. A missing direct deposit could take longer. The IRS says a direct deposit refund trace can take 90 to 120 days. More From GOBankingRates6 Big Shakeups Coming to Social Security in 2025 This article originally appeared on 4 Things To Do If You Lost Your Tax Refund Check Sign in to access your portfolio


Los Angeles Times
12-03-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
The IRS is sitting on $92 million in unclaimed California tax returns. How to know if you qualify
A trove of cash could be forfeited if Californians fail to complete a previous year's tax return by next month, according to the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS is currently sitting on about $92.3 million, ready to be dispersed among 116,300 state taxpayers who have yet to file their 2021 taxes, the agency said in a news release Tuesday. Returns must be filed by April 15. The estimated median refund for Californians whose returns are still outstanding is $600, according to the IRS. Californians can use the IRS2Go mobile app to verify eligibility, check their refund status, make a payment and find free tax services, according to the IRS. Low- to moderate-income workers may also be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit, a refundable tax break. The refund credit is boosted if you meet certain requirements, have children or other dependents and or are disabled. In 2021, the EITC for qualifying taxpayers with children was $6,728. To check if you qualify, use the EITC Assistant, which will ask a series of questions to determine eligibility. The questionnaire does not require sensitive personal information, such as your name, Social Security number, address or bank account numbers. Any unclaimed refund money becomes property of the U.S. Treasury if taxpayers fail to file by the April deadline. Refund amounts could also be lowered if you owe money to the IRS, have unpaid child support, or are past due on student loans. Money could also be withheld if you have not filed 2022 or 2023 tax returns. The IRS is urging taxpayers to collect past documents well in advance of the deadline, as some can take weeks to secure. Here's how to access important tax documents to file your 2021 taxes: Free tax services are available across Los Angeles County for people with qualifying incomes. Free Tax Prep L.A. has dozens of sites across the county to help people who make less than $67,000 a year file their taxes for free. The program is run through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, or VITA, which utilizes IRS-certified volunteers. The Cal State Northridge VITA clinic has 14 locations in the San Fernando Valley offering free income tax assistance service to residents making less than $67,000 annually, according to the clinic's website. Spanish interpretation is available at some locations. Other universities are also offering free tax preparation services, including UCLA, Cal State Long Beach and Cal State L.A. For more information on clinic hours, locations and language support, visit their websites. The Sunland-Tujunga Branch Library is offering free tax services on Saturdays until April 12. Spanish and Armenian interpretation is available. On the day of your appointment, make sure to bring the following items: For ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number applications, bring an original or a copy of your passport, U.S. visa or driver's license. The IRS will never contact you via social media, offer gift cards, threaten to call law enforcement or immigration officials, take away your driver's license, leave pre-recorded voicemails, or mail tax debt resolution advertisements. If you were scammed, you can visit the Federal Trade Commission's website.