Tax day is right around the corner. Are you prepared? The tax filing deadline for your 2021 taxes is April 18, 2022.
What You Need
To make the process smoother for yourself, gather all your tax forms and necessary documents before starting the process of filing. The list of items needed can vary depending on your specific situation, but there are a few you will always need.
- Your Social Security number or tax ID number
- Any employment and/or investment income documents in 2021 such as W2 or 1099.
- Forms for deductions such as mortgage interest, student loan interest, charitable donations or education costs.
- Any forms regarding stimulus payments issued to you.
- Your bank account routing and account number to receive your refund by direct deposit.
File Your Taxes Securely to Avoid Fraud
Tax fraud continues to be a widespread issue with no end in sight. According to the Federal Trade Commission, there were nearly 90,000 cases of tax fraud linked to identity theft in 2021.1 To lessen the risk of fraud, make sure you file your taxes on a secure platform.
The IRS website provides an online service for Americans to prepare and file their tax return. This process is free of charge if your adjusted gross income was less than $73,000 in 2021.1 This is one of the best filing processes to avoid delays and quickly receive refunds.
You can file your taxes through an online tax preparation service. Each service can range in features and price as each person’s tax filing needs can be unique. It’s important to choose one that is secure and serves your needs based on your tax situation. Some of these available secure platforms include TurboTax, Credit Karma Tax, H&R Block, and TaxAct.1
If you are unsure where you should file your taxes, you can reach out to your financial advisor for guidance.
