Tax season 2022 is upon us. This means that it is time to start filing your tax return. If you don’t do it by the deadline, then you run the risk of rather hefty financial penalties.
If you have filed a tax return before, then you will know that your tax return is often due by mid-April. However, there are a few small differences this year. If you live in certain locations, you may be able to file your tax return a little bit later than normal.
In this article, we are going to go through the most important dates in the 2022 tax season. This includes a discussion on when you should file your tax return, when you should file for an extension, and when you can expect to get your taxes back.
When You Must File Your Tax Return
In 2022, there are three different potential filing dates. For most filers, the deadline will be in mid-April. There are a few edge cases where this is extended to May.
Most Private Individuals
This year, the final date to file your federal tax return will be the 18th of April. If you are using e-filing, then you can submit your tax return from February onwards.
Residents of Maine and Massachusetts
Due to Patriot’s Day falling on the 18th of April in these two states, the deadline for residents here will be the 19th of April.
Residents of Tennessee, Illinois, Kentucky, and Colorado
This is where things can get somewhat confusing, as not all residents will be able to take advantage of an extended filing deadline.
If you live in Tennessee, Kentucky, or Illinois, then you may be able to take advantage of an extended tax filing date if you were impacted by the recent severe storms.
If you live in Colorado, then you may be able to take advantage of an extended tax filing date if you were impacted by wildfires.
It is important to note that living in one of these states is not enough. You must have been living in a county that was impacted by the natural disaster. You will be able to find an up-to-date list on the IRS website: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations
If you can take advantage of the extended filing deadline, then you will not be required to file until the 16th of May.
If You Are Filing For a Tax Extension
As always, you have the right to be able to request an extension for filing your tax return.
If you are requesting an extension, then you can do so up until the due date of your federal tax return. As you can see from the previous section, this can vary based upon where you live.
When you request an extension, you have up until the 17th of October to file your completed tax return.
Do keep in mind that while you will be granted an extension for filing your tax return, you will not be granted an extension for paying your taxes. Therefore, if you believe that you owe the IRS money, you will have to roughly estimate how much you need to pay them. This will be due on the final date of filing. If you do not pay what you owe, then you will receive a fine.
When You Will Receive a Tax Refund
If you are entitled to a tax refund, then you should receive it around 21-days after you have filed your tax return. It may be a little bit longer if the tax return is delivered via check. You should always opt for an electronic deposit, if possible.
If the IRS believes that there is a problem with your tax return, then it may take a lot longer while they carry out an investigation. You will be able to track the state of your refund on the IRS website.
Final Word
It is important that you keep tabs on when your federal tax return is due. In almost all cases, it is going to be the 18th of April. Remember, if you do not apply for an extension and you file your tax return late, then the IRS are going to fine you. It may also take longer for you to receive your tax refund.
