Franchise Tax Board 2023 tax season begins FTB ca.gov

Consumers should also be on alert for predatory tax preparers that overcharge, charge hidden fees, or file their returns without permission. Thousands of people have lost millions of dollars and their personal information to tax scams.

Specific dates for tax season are typically officially announced early each year, though taxpayers can certainly expect tax season to start sometime in late January and last until April every year. Before late January, taxpayers should begin receiving tax forms for 2022 from employers, clients, and more, though they have until Tax Day to submit their returns. Tax season can easily be described as both the best of times and the worst of times. Some taxpayers may start preparing for a sizable tax refund—and others may come to the frightening realization that they’ll owe money. Regardless of how tax season has gone in years past, though, tax season 2023 will roll around soon enough, and with it plenty of reminders that it’s time to start filing your taxes.

When Is Tax Season? Definition, Dates, and Deadlines

For more information on these special tax benefits, view the IRS’s Armed Forces’ Tax Guide. Taxpayers who received the advance child tax credit or received a stimulus check last year should receive correspondence from the IRS with more information on how to accurately file their upcoming return.

If you do not qualify to use one of the Free File software providers, you still have choices that may for work you! But what if you have a more complicated tax situation or had a wild year in 2022? And if you’re looking for a trustworthy tax professional in your area, try one of our Endorsed Local Providers . It’ll even teach you along the way so you feel empowered to do your own taxes with confidence. For tax years 2022 and 2023, the standard deduction went up to adjust for inflation. Now’s also a great time to gather your receipts (you kept those, right?) if you plan on itemizing your deductions so you’re not scrambling and pulling your hair out by the time April rolls around. The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles.

Frequently Asked Questions

In some cases, returns may require additional review and will take longer to process. Tax season is the time period, generally between Jan. 1 and April 15 of each year, when individual taxpayers traditionally prepare financial statements and reports for the previous year and submit their tax returns. In the U.S., individuals typically must file their annual tax return by April 15 of the year following any reportable earnings. Tax returns submitted after the end of tax season are subject to late penalty fees and interest charges.

The filing deadline to submit 2021 tax returns or an extension to file and pay tax owed is Monday, April 18, 2022, for most taxpayers. By law, Washington, D.C., holidays impact tax deadlines for everyone in the same way federal holidays do.

When to expect your refund — and how to get it fast

Here are some deductions and credits you might be able to claim on your 2022 or 2023 tax return. Once you have these forms gathered and organized, you’ve got the green light to file your taxes. If you’re not sure you have everything you need, you’ll want to reach out to a tax pro—especially if you have a complicated tax situation. Engaging with tax preparers outside of tax season might be beneficial in some cases, such as if you don’t have an urgent issue and would like more time to meet with your preparer. The IRS often kicks off its own tax season when it starts accepting returns, typically at the end of January.

Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey.

When to file a tax return

Some state-level holidays can extend the tax deadline by another day. You can request a six-month extension by filing Form 4868, making your last day to file individual income taxes October 15, or the next business day if this is a weekend or holiday. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly program offers free tax preparation and e-filing assistance to citizens 60 or older.

In most cases, you should file as soon as possible — to get a faster refund and reduce the odds of a fraudster claiming a refund in your name via identity theft. You may also be eligible for free tax help at a local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Center, generally available to people who make $60,000 or less, people with disabilities or those with limited English. Those 60 years and older can also get help via Tax Counseling for the Elderly. Here are some key things to know before filing, according to CNBC’s Sharon Epperson, senior personal finance correspondent, and Kate Dore, a personal finance reporter. Before sharing sensitive information online, make sure you’re on a .gov or .mil site by inspecting your browser’s address (or “location”) bar. As a result of COVID-19 restrictions, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide services are currently by appointment only.