Here are 5 things you need to know about tax season before the filing deadline

This year’s deadline to file 2021 taxes is April 18 and many Americans may have unanswered questions. Here are five things you should know:

1. File even if you aren’t required.

The IRS strongly recommends that everyone file, regardless of requirements. This is because there are many tax credits that individuals can claim:

• Recovery Rebate Credit — to receive any remaining stimulus payments
• Child Tax Credit — the remaining child tax credit payments or the full amount if not yet received
• Earned Income Tax Credit — the largest of the refunds and is available to low or moderate income families

2. Access all important information using the IRS Online Account.

This online portal shows individuals all the necessary information such as tax records, balances, and instructions for making and viewing payments.

3. Always file and pay on time to avoid penalties.

Taxpayers can always file an extension, but taxes are still owed on April 18, 2022. A failure to pay taxes by the deadline will result in a failure-to-pay penalty. If you can’t pay in full by April 18, there are payment plans available to help.

4. Help is available in several languages.

If you have questions and need answers in a different language, the IRS.gov has developed a drop down menu to display information in the needed language. Languages that are available in the drop down menu are:

• Spanish

• Chinese (traditional and simplified)

• Korean

• Russian

• Vietnamese

• Haitian Creole

For more information, please click here.

5. There are several ways to pay.

If you owe this season, you’re not alone and there are many ways to pay. As always, you can use a debit or credit card; however, you can also use digital wallet options such as Apple Pay. You can pay with cash at one of the accepted retailers, but there is a fee of $1.50 per cash payment. Payments are also accepted over the phone or online.

Do you have more questions? Feel free to visit IRS.gov.