WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged taxpayers to take important steps this month to help them file their 2022 federal tax returns, including special steps related to Economic Impact Payments and Child Tax Credit upfront payments. .

This is the second in a series of reminders to help taxpayers prepare for the upcoming tax filing season. A special page, updated and available on IRS.gov, outlines the steps taxpayers can take now to make it easier to file taxes in 2022.

Here are some key elements that taxpayers should consider before filing their return next year.

Check Upfront Payments for the Child Tax Credit

Families who received advance payments should compare the Advance payments of the Child Tax Credit they received in 2021 with the amount of the Child Tax Credit they can correctly claim on their 2021 tax return.

Taxpayers who received less than the amount for which they are eligible will claim a credit for the remaining amount of the Child Tax Credit on their 2021 tax return. Taxpayers who received more than the amount for which they are eligible may have to repay part or all of the overpayment when they file the return.

In January 2022, the IRS will send Letter 6419 with the total amount of Child Tax Credit advance payments that taxpayers received in 2021. Individuals should keep this and any other letters from the IRS about advance payments from the IRS. Child tax credit with your tax files.

Consult Reconciling Your Child Tax Credit Advance Payments on Your 2021 Tax Return for more information.

Eligible families who did not receive monthly advance payments in 2021 can still get a one-time payment by claiming the Child Tax Credit when they file a 2021 federal income tax return next year. This includes families who normally do not need to file a return.

Economic Impact Payments and Claiming the Refund Recovery Credit

People who did not qualify for the third Economic impact payment or who did not receive the full amount may be eligible for the Refund recovery credit based on their 2021 tax information. They will need to file a 2021 tax return, even if they don't usually do so, to claim the credit.

Individuals will also need the amount of their third Economic Impact Payment and any additional payments received to calculate the correct amount of the 2021 Refund Recovery Credit when they file their tax return. Making sure you are using the correct payment amounts will help you avoid a processing delay that could delay your refund.

In early 2022, the IRS will send Letter 6475 containing the full amount of the Third Economic Impact Payment and any additional payments received. Individuals should keep this and any other letters from the IRS about their stimulus payments with other tax records. People can also log into their IRS.gov online account to securely access the amounts of your Economic Impact Payments.

See page of 2020 Refund Recovery Credit .

Changes to charitable deductions

Taxpayers who do not itemize deductions may qualify to take a charitable deduction of up to $ 600 for married taxpayers filing joint returns and up to $ 300 for all other taxpayers for cash contributions made in 2021 to Qualified Organizations. For more information, read the Publication 526, Charitable Contributions.

Banking to prepare for direct deposit

El direct deposit gives taxpayers access to their refund faster than a paper check. Those who do not have a bank account can learn to open an account at a FDIC insured bank or using the tool Credit and savings cooperative locator. Veterans should consult the Veterans Bank Benefits Program to access financial services at participating banks.

Links to online tools, publications, and other helpful resources are available at IRS.gov/prepare.