Tax season is now underway in Texas. Monday was the first day Texans could start filing their 2021 federal income tax returns.
Earlier Start Date
Last year’s start date to tax season was later — Feb. 12. Michael Devine, a spokesperson for the Internal Revenue Service, said this year’s Jan. 24 opening date is closer to the historical norm.
“In the past couple of years, we’ve had to delay the start of filing season because of circumstances beyond the IRS’ control,” said Devine. “Usually, it has to do with tax laws that are changed late in the year. The IRS has to postpone the start of filing season so we can reprogram the computers so that we're enforcing the current law.”
But, Devine added, even with the earlier start date, people may not be able to file right away, since they may not have all the documents they need.
That’s because employers and banks have until Jan. 31 to give everyone the necessary forms, including W-2s.
How to avoid refund delays
For those with documents already in hand, Devine encouraged submitting returns electronically to avoid delays. Underfunding and understaffing are among the challenges his agency still faces this year.
“There are fewer people who are actually in the office or working in the IRS processing centers, and all of them are under COVID protocols so we can't sit shoulder to shoulder. You have to be socially distant,” Devine said.
With fewer people, Devine said “the paper returns are going to be slower.”
Another recommendation: Direct deposit. “Using direct deposit will mean — on an electronic return that has no problems — 21 days or less to get your refund,” he said.
Ongoing challenges at the IRS have left Texans among themillions around the U.S. who have still not had their 2020 tax returns processed. But, Devine said they can still file their 2021 tax returns, adding there are “special rules for that.”
“If it wasn't processed, you can enter ‘zero dollars’ as your adjusted gross income for 2020 on your 2021 tax return,” Devine explained. “You can find answers to all of those questions onIRS.gov or go talk to a tax professional so that your return is done correctly and will be processed.”
Different deadline
For most U.S. taxpayers, this year’s deadline of April 18 is also different. Tax Day usually falls on April 15, but Texans will get three extra days due to a Washington D.C. holiday recognizing Emancipation Day.
Last year, Texans saw the IRS extended their deadline twice. The first time was for all Americans due to the pandemic. The second time was because of February’s deadly winter storm.
