According to the Internal Revenue Service, if Californians fail to complete their 2021 tax returns by next month, a series of cash could be forfeited.
The IRS currently sits at around $92.3 million and is ready to spread it out among 116,300 state taxpayers who have not yet filed returns for that tax year, the agency said in a news release Tuesday.
According to the IRS, the estimated median median refunds for Californians who still have a return unpaid must be filed by April 15th.
How to know if you are eligible
According to the IRS, Californians can use the IRS2GO mobile app to check eligibility, check refund status, make payments and find free tax services.
Low-to-moderate workers may also be eligible for the earned income tax credit, a tax credit that can be refunded. If certain requirements are met and children or other dependents are present or are disabled, the refund credit will increase.
In 2021, EITCs for eligible taxpayers with children were $6,728.
To check if you are eligible, use the EITC Assistant on the IRS website. This will determine eligibility by asking a series of questions. Surveys do not require sensitive personal information such as names, Social Security numbers, addresses, and bank account numbers.
What happens if I missed the deadline?
If a taxpayer fails to file by the April deadline, the unclaimed refund will become the property of the US Treasury Department.
You can also reduce the refund amount if you borrow money from the IRS, have unpaid child support, or if your student loan is overdue. If you have not filed a 2022 or 2023 tax return, you can also withhold money.
How to get important documents
The IRS is urging taxpayers to collect past documents well before the deadline.
Here’s how to access important tax documents and file your 2021 taxes:
Create an IRS online account. This allows you to view, download or print records and transcripts of your tax return, including past returns, account information, wages, and income statements. Please note that the transcript is not a copy of past tax returns. To get a copy, submit the 4506 form to the IRS. Taxpayers can request copies of missing forms such as W-2, W-4, 1098, 1099, 5498 from their employer, bank, or payroll service provider. If you are unable to access the form through your employer, it may take between 5-10 calendar days to arrive. With such requests, the IRS recommends that you close your internet browser immediately after submitting, as sensitive information is required. You can also submit your request by calling the agency’s automated telephone transcript service at (800) 908-9946.
Where to submit free taxes for 2021
Free tax services are available throughout Los Angeles County for those with qualified incomes.
Free Tax Preparation LA has dozens of sites throughout the county, helping people under $67,000 a year submit their taxes for free. The program is run through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, which utilizes IRS-certified volunteers, or through the VITA.
The Cal State Northridge Vita Clinic has 14 locations in the San Fernando Valley and offers free income tax assistance services to residents under $67,000 a year, according to the clinic’s website. Interpretation of Spanish is available in select locations.
Other universities also offer free tax preparation services, including UCLA, Cal State Long Beach and Cal State LA.
For more information about clinic opening hours, location and language support, please visit our website.
The Sunland-Tujunga Branch Library will offer free tax services on Saturdays until April 12th. Spanish and Armenian interpretations are available.
Make sure to bring the following items with you on your reservation day:
A government-issued photo ID, driver’s license or passport. Social Security Cards or itincome forms ase w-2, 1099, or 1098.copies, such as a copy of additional income and expenses such as a tuition 1098-t form, or daycare fee documents.
For ITIN or individual taxpayer identification number applications, please bring your original or copy of your passport, a US visa or driver’s license.
How to avoid fraud
The IRS will not contact you via social media, provide gift cards, call law enforcement or immigration staff, remove your driver’s license, leave pre-recorded voicemails, or mail tax debt resolution ads.
If you are fraudulent, you can visit the Federal Trade Commission’s IdentityTheft.gov website.
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