WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is encouraging taxpayers to use IRS online tools and resources to find the information they need to be prepared to file their 2021 federal income tax returns, including special steps related to Economic Impact Payments and advance payments of the Child Tax Credit.

People, especially those who do not normally file a tax return, are urged file your 2021 tax return electronically starting January 24, 2022. Using tax preparation software will help guide them through the process and help them avoid mistakes. Filing an incomplete or inaccurate return can mean a processing delay that delays your tax refund.

“There are some simple steps people can take to ensure they avoid delays and receive a quick refund,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “It's critical this year to avoid a paper tax return whenever possible and instead file electronically with direct deposit. And it's more important than ever to make sure you file an accurate tax return. The IRS urges people to review some simple tips that can help them avoid trouble and get their tax refunds fast.”

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

The tools on IRS.gov are easy to use and available 24 hours a day. Millions of people use them to find account information, get answers to tax questions, or file and pay taxes.

Refund Recovery Credit/Economic Impact Payments

Individuals who did not qualify for the third Economic Impact Payment or received less than the full amount may be eligible to claim the Refund Recovery Credit. They will need to know the total amount of their third Economic Impact Payment received to calculate the correct amount of their 2021 Refund Recovery Credit when they file their 2021 tax return. Making sure you use the correct payment amounts will help you avoid a delay. in processing which could delay your refund. Beginning in late January, the IRS will send Letter 6475 containing the full amount of the third Economic Impact Payment received. People can also view their Economic Impact Payments through their online account.

Child Tax Credit Advance Payments

Individuals will need to know the total amount they received from their advance payments in 2021 to compare with the total amount of the child tax credit that they can claim when they file their 2021 tax return. People who received advance payments can access their online account to check the total amount of their payments. The IRS also sends Letter 6419 to provide the full amount of Child Tax Credit advance payments received in 2021. Eligible families who did not receive monthly advance payments in 2021 can still get a lump sum payment when claiming the Child Tax Credit. children when they file a 2021 tax return this year. This includes families who do not normally need to file.

Interactive Tax Assistant

El Interactive Tax Assistant answers general questions about the tax law, including helping you determine if a type of income is taxable or eligible to claim certain credits and deductions. With income changes and other life events for many in 2021, the tax credits and deductions they can mean more money in the taxpayer's pocket. Reviewing eligibility now can help make filing taxes easier.

online account

Taxpayers can use their online account to securely view important information when preparing to file your taxes or keeping track of balances or notices. Taxpayers can view the amount they owe, make and view payments, and view details about their payment plan. Taxpayers can now also choose their communication preferences to receive certain IRS notices electronically, or to receive email notifications when the IRS sends them a new digital notice. They can also access information about Economic Impact Payments and advance payments of the Child Tax Credit, necessary to file a complete and accurate return. Act now to create an account.

Where is my refund?

Taxpayers can check the status of their refund with the tool Where is my refund? The statement is available within 24 hours after the IRS receives your electronically filed tax return or up to four weeks after a paper return is mailed. The Where's My Refund? tool it is updated once every 24 hours, usually at night, so taxpayers only need to check once a day.

Get ready to use direct deposit for your tax refund

El direct deposit offers taxpayers access to their refund faster than a paper check. Individuals can use a bank account, prepaid debit card or mobile app to use direct deposit and will need to provide routing and account numbers. Learn how to open an account at a FDIC insured bank or through the Credit Union Locator Tool. Veterans Must See Veterans Benefits Banking Program to access financial services at participating banks.

IRS Free File

Anyone can e-file for free. As of January 14, the program Free file IRS, available only through IRS.gov or with the mobile app IRS2Go, offers trade name tax preparation software packages. If you earned $73,000 or less in 2021, you may qualify for tax software provided by Free file. The software does all the work of finding deductions, credits, and exemptions. Some of the software packages Free file may include free preparation of a state tax return. Taxpayers who are comfortable preparing tax forms can use the interactive forms of Free file, the electronic version of paper federal tax forms to file your taxes online, regardless of your income.

Members of the Armed Forces and qualified veterans may use MilTax (In English), a Department of Defense program that generally offers online tax preparation software and electronic filing of federal tax returns and up to three state returns for free.

Free tax preparation help centers

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free tax help and electronic filing for qualified taxpayers.

Choose a preparer

The IRS has several options for finding a tax preparer. The IRS provides an online database to help taxpayers find a Authorized Provider for Electronic Filing in your area that can electronically file your tax return. Choose a tax professional provides information for selecting a tax professional. The Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Certain Credentials and Qualifications can help taxpayers find preparers in their area who have IRS-recognized professional credentials, or who have a Filing Season Annual Program Compliance Record. Taxpayers should remember that they, not the tax preparer, are responsible for what is on their tax return once they sign it.

IRS.gov/prepare

Links to online tools, publications, and other helpful resources are available on the page. Prepare yourself. For more information about planning, see the Publication 5348, Prepare to File PDF and Publication 5349, Tax Planning is for Everyone PDF.