WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers that IRS.gov has several taxpayer resources available 24 hours a day. From a “special tax season alerts” page providing the latest details on the 2022 filing season, a multitude of resources on taxable income and reporting requirements, help researching refunds to filing options.
“The IRS wants taxpayers to know that IRS.gov is the best source of information for all things tax,” said IRS spokesperson Stacy Engle, “The website can explain how to report all income, file an accurate tax return, review refund status and much more.”
Gig economy earnings are taxable
Generally, income earned from the gig economy is taxable and must be reported to the IRS. The gig economy is activity where people earn income providing on-demand work, services or goods. Often, it’s through a digital platform like an app or website. Taxpayers must report income earned from the gig economy on a tax return, even if the income is:
- From part-time, temporary or side work,
- Not reported on an information return form – like a Form 1099-K, 1099-MISC, W-2 or other income statement or
- Paid in any form, including cash, property, goods or virtual currency.
Report Foreign Source Income
A U.S. citizen or resident alien’s worldwide income is generally subject to U.S. income tax, regardless of where they live. They’re also subject to the same income tax filing requirements that apply to U.S. citizens or resident aliens living in the United States.
U.S. citizens and resident aliens must report unearned income, such as interest, dividends, and pensions, from sources outside the United States unless exempt by law or a tax treaty. They must also report earned income, such as wages and tips, from sources outside the United States. An income tax filing requirement generally applies even if a taxpayer qualifies for tax benefits, such as the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion or the Foreign Tax Credit, which substantially reduce or eliminate U.S. tax liability. These tax benefits are only available if an eligible taxpayer files a U.S. income tax return.
Refund updates
Filing electronically and using direct deposit is the safest and fastest way to file an accurate return and receive a tax refund. Taxpayers can use Where’s My Refund? to start checking their refund status within 24 hours after an e-filed return is received or four weeks after the taxpayer mails a paper return.
The tool’s tracker displays progress through three phases:
- Return Received,
- Refund Approved and
- Refund Sent.
Filing season statistics
The 2022 Filing Season began January 24, 2022 and the IRS is off to a strong start to this year’s tax season, with 22 million refunds worth more than $78 billion already being delivered as of February 18, 2022. Of the over 35 million returns received, over 34 million of them were e-filed returns.
How an LITC can help
A Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) represents individuals whose incomes are generally at or below 250% of the federal poverty guideline, and who are seeking to resolve tax problems with the IRS, such as audits, appeals and tax collection disputes. LITCs can represent taxpayers in court as well as before the IRS. They also can provide information about taxpayer rights and responsibilities in different languages for English as a Second Language (ESL) taxpayers.
Reminders
For most Americans, the tax-filing deadline is April 18, 2022. For residents of Maine and Massachusetts, the deadline is April 19, 2022. For Americans who live and work abroad, it’s June 15, 2022. Anyone who needs more time to file can get an automatic extension until Oct. 17, 2022.
The IRS encourages those who have a filing requirement and have yet to file a prior year tax return or to pay any tax due to promptly do so as interest and penalties will continue to accrue. Visit IRS.gov for payment options.
