Thread by @EthnicMediaSvc

🎊Welcome to EMS's regular Friday briefing. Today we're discussing what you all need to know for the upcoming 2022 #taxseason. You can also follow the conversation via FaceBook live fb.me/e/1Afq7p7BB @IRSnews

And for help filing and preparing tax returns on IRS.gov, visit the official IRS website. irs.gov/help

There will be more help coming beyond what we discuss today, says #IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "It is our intent that filings are as smooth and seamless as possible."

"Filing returns should not be stressful," adds Rettig. "What they should be is looking forward to receiving refundable credits. And today is #EITCAwarenessDay." About 20% of eligible recipients are not aware of this credit.

"Since March 2020, the IRS has issued more than $1.5 trillion in payments. There is an economic and emotional benefit to this. The message is: this government is a government of the people. The IRS is a group of people who care about people." @IRSnews

Rettig stresses, "Please don't file paper returns. These have an inherent delay. Use software, a trusted professional or IRS Free File for individuals under certain income limitations." See IRS.gov.

Important: do not call the IRS with questions. "Our phone lines are jammed. We get more than 100 million calls and less than 15k people to answer these calls. First access IRS.gov," Rettig says.

Interpreter services in more than 350 languages available and "for the first time in history" the form 1040 is available in Spanish. "We are working as hard as we can for everyone," says Rettig. @IRSnews

Ken Corbin, #IRS Wage & Investment Div. Commissioner, reminds us that today is #EITCAwarenessDay. "New things for the EITC. Workers with qualifying dependents may be eligible for EITC if their earned income was less than $57,414."

"In the past EITC for those with no dependents were only available to people between 25 and 64 years old. Now the minimum age is 18 and former foster youth and qualified homeless youth."

"And finally, new this year, more workers and working families who have investment income can claim the #EITC. Starting with Tax Year 2021, the amount of investment income increases to 10k."

IRS.gov offers an IRS Free File Program and also has a volunteer income tax assistance program, called Vita. This gives you in-person assistance from a certified preparer for free.
irs.gov/individuals/ir…

For help filing and preparing tax returns on IRS.gov, visit the official IRS website. irs.gov/help
Español: irs.gov/ayuda
Chinese: go.usa.gov/xsTT4

There is a news release out today with details on how to qualify for the #EITC and there are FAQs on IRS.gov that can answer general eligibility questions. There is also a tool that will let you know if you re eligible, says Ken Corbin.

What about those who support dependents living outside the US? "The best way is to look at #IRS form W7 to know if those you are supporting can be claimed," advises Corbin.

"The IRS is hiring. We are looking for bi-lingual individuals to join us. Go to usajobs.gov and apply for a position," says Corbin.

The economic impact payment is not considered income on your tax return, says Corbin.

April 18, 2022 is the deadline to file. No extension is being contemplated.

Some useful IRS resources.
IRS Newsroom irs.gov/newsroom
IRS Tax Topics irs.gov/taxtopics

Are payment plans an option for people who owe the IRS? "Installment agreements... those who don't have all the $ to pay their taxes upfront can enter into an installment agreement. There are tools online at IRS.gov."

Direct Pay allows filers to arrange payments at a future date: irs.gov/payments/direc…

Helpful resource from #IRS Chuck Rettig. Five ways for people who need to pay their taxes.irs.gov/newsroom/heres…

Be aware of tax scams: irs.gov/newsroom/tax-s…

"The #IRS will not call you by phone without a notice in advance. Don't accept a text, a call, especially if they ask for bank info or to pay with a gift card. That is a scam," says Ken Corbin.

How would the #IRS define success? "Meet our taxpayers in the communities where they live and to expand options and choices," says Corbin.

"The fact you are expanding your multilingual accessibility is good news," says EMS ED Sandy Close. "The fact of you wanting to do this briefing with #ethnicmedia. We thank you."

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