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IRS Projects Delivery Schedule for 2020 Tax Refunds & Tracking With the processing of 2020 federal tax returns now underway, the IRS has issued information about the likely timetable for refunds to be issued. Here are some key points to keep in mind: - The IRS began processing returns on February 12, 2021.... - The fastest way to receive your refund is to have your return filed electronically and request the refund by direct deposit to your bank account. - The IRS expects about 90% of taxpayers who file electronically with direct deposit to receive their refunds within 21 days, provided there are no problems with their returns. - Many taxpayers who file promptly and qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) will receive their refunds in early March. - Those who file paper returns and/or request their refunds by check may experience longer wait times for their refunds. - Refunds will also be delayed if the IRS must request additional information from taxpayers due to issues with their returns. Typically, as soon as 24 hours after your federal return is e-filed, you may track the status of your refund by using the IRS Where's My Refund portal, at http://irs.gov/refunds. In many cases, the portal can provide a personalized refund delivery date.

IRS Expands Allowed Items for 2020 Educator Expense Deduction Did You Know? Qualifying educators may claim a tax deduction of up to $250 for unreimbursed classroom expenses, even if they do not itemize deductions. If both members of a couple filing jointly work as educators, they may each deduct up to $250, for a maximum possible deduction of $500. Ordinarily, allowed expenses are limited to standard classroom supplies such as paper, writing utensils, computers, rulers and... art supplies. For 2020, however, eligible educators may also include in their deduction certain expenses incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Examples include the cost of personal protective equipment, sanitizer and cleaning agents purchased after March 12, 2020 to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Note, however, that the per-educator deduction limit remains at $250. Eligible educators generally include K-12 teachers, counselors, principals and aides who worked for at least 900 hours at an elementary and/or secondary school in 2020. The allowed deduction may be reduced for a variety of reasons, including taking tax-free withdrawals from a Coverdell education savings account. A tax professional can help you determine whether you qualify for the Educator Expense Deduction, and the allowed amount of your deduction if so.

How to Set Yourself Up for a Hassle-Free Tax Season (4/4) By taking a few simple steps now, you can greatly reduce uncertainty and stress during the 2020 tax filing season. These actions will help set you up to complete your return efficiently, without unpleasant surprises: Start Early!... The IRS opens for tax filing season tomorrow, February 12th. With all the unpredictability of life during a pandemic, staying ahead of the tax game is more important than ever. Assemble your records as soon as possible. If you have any questions, a tax advisor can help you identify and organize the documents you need. Tax professionals will have far greater availability early in the tax season than at the last minute.

How to Set Yourself Up for a Hassle-Free Tax Season (3/4) By taking a few simple steps now, you can greatly reduce uncertainty and stress during the 2020 tax filing season. These actions will help set you up to complete your return efficiently, without unpleasant surprises: Be Aware of Refund Interest And Stimulus Payments... Because the processing of some tax refunds was delayed in 2020 due to the pandemic, the IRS paid interest to many refund recipients. Unlike refunds themselves, these interest payments are classified as taxable income. If you received a tax refund interest payment, the IRS will send you Form 1099-INT in January, which you will need when preparing your return. Recipients of a 2020 Economic Income Payment (EIP, also called a stimulus payment) should have also received IRS Notice 1444, Your Economic Impact Payment. Make sure to keep this notice handy. If your EIP amount was lower than it should have been, Notice 1444 will give you the information you need to claim a tax refund for the balance owed to you.

How to Set Yourself Up for a Hassle-Free Tax Season (2/4) By taking a few simple steps now, you can greatly reduce uncertainty and stress during the 2020 tax filing season. These actions will help set you up to complete your return efficiently, without unpleasant surprises: Organize Records of Other Potentially Taxable Transactions... The sale of major assets like stock, a house or any other big ticket item may yield a taxable capital gain. Many cryptocurrency transactions (such as buying and selling Bitcoin) also have tax implications, since the IRS classifies cryptocurrencies as property. Make sure you have complete records of all your significant financial and property transactions during 2020.