[WardFive] Estimated/Anticipated 2021 IRS Tax Refund Scheduled Dates & Howard University Free 2021 Tax Preparation Support

Greetings and Salutations Friends and Neighbors,

FYI from the Internal Revenue Service: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2021-tax-filing-season-begins-feb-12-irs-outlines-steps-to-speed-refunds-during-pandemic and Howard University School of Business.

 

Tips for taxpayers to make filing easier:

 

To speed refunds and help with their tax filing, the IRS urges people to follow these simple steps:

 

• File electronically and use direct deposit for the quickest refunds.
   
• Check IRS.gov for the latest tax information, including the latest on Economic Impact Payments. There is no need to call.
   
• For those who may be eligible for stimulus payments, they should carefully review the guidelines for the Recovery Rebate Credit. Most people received Economic Impact Payments automatically, and anyone who received the maximum amount does not need to include any information about their payments when they file. However, those who didn't receive a payment or only received a partial payment may be eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit when they file their 2020 tax return. Tax preparation software, including IRS Free File, will help taxpayers figure the amount.
   
• Remember, advance stimulus payments received separately are not taxable, and they do not reduce the taxpayer's refund when they file in 2021.

 

Key filing season dates:

 

There are several important dates taxpayers should keep in mind for this year's filing season:

 

• January 15, 2021. IRS Free File opens. Taxpayers can begin filing returns through Free File partners; tax returns will be transmitted to the IRS starting Feb. 12. Tax software companies also are accepting tax filings in advance.
   
• January 29, 2021. Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day to raise awareness of valuable tax credits available to many people – including the option to use prior-year income to qualify.
   
• February 12, 2021. IRS begins 2021 tax season. Individual tax returns begin being accepted and processing begins.
   
• February 22, 2021. Projected date for the IRS.gov Where's My Refund tool being updated for those claiming EITC and ACTC, also referred to as PATH Act returns.
   
• First week of March 2021. Tax refunds begin reaching those claiming EITC and ACTC (PATH Act returns) for those who file electronically with direct deposit and there are no issues with their tax returns.
   
• April 15, 2021. Deadline for filing 2020 tax returns.

 

Check Refund Status Link : https://sa.www4.irs.gov/irfof/lang/en/irfofgetstatus.jsp

Estimated IRS Refund Direct Deposit Scheduled Dates: https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/tax-compliance/news/21164353/chart-shows-estimated-2021-income-tax-refund-dates

IRS Accepts E-Filed Return By:	Direct Deposit Sent (Or Paper Check Mailed 1 week later):
[IRS will start accepting income tax returns on February 12, 2021.]
February 16, 2021	February 26, 2021 (March 5, 2021)*
February 22, 2021	March 5, 2021 (March 12, 2021)
March 1, 2021	March 12, 2021 (March 19, 2021)
March 8, 2021	March 19, 2021 (March 26, 2021)
March 15, 2021	March 26, 2021 (April 2, 2021)
March 22, 2021	April 2, 2021 (April 9, 2021)**

 

* = Returns with EITC or CTC may have refunds delayed until March to verify credits.

** = Filing during peak season can result in slightly longer waits.

 

 

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Robert Vinson Brannum

Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner

President Emeritus, DC Federation of Civic Associations, Inc.