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IRS Updates & news releases     2/15/2019

IRS Updates & News Releases:

Did you know? One of the best ways to get information is by visiting the IRS Small Business Tax Center where you can learn everything from how to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) online to how to best navigate an audit.
 
Avoid the rush: Be prepared to validate identity if contacting the IRS
The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers and tax professionals that they will be asked to verify their identities if they call the IRS. The days before and after Presidents Day mark the peak period for taxpayer phone calls to the IRS. To avoid the rush, callers should use IRS.gov to access resources like the IRS Service Guide, to answer their questions or be prepared to verify their identities if they need to call the agency.  Being prepared before a call or visit can save taxpayers multiple calls.
 
Avoid the rush over Presidents Day holiday; online tools, resources can help
With a new tax law in effect and a surge of tax returns expected during the Presidents Day weekend, the Internal Revenue Service is offering taxpayers several tips and various time-saving resources to get them the help they need quickly and easily. The IRS receives more phone calls on the day after Presidents Day than on any other day of the year. Ahead of the Presidents Day weekend, the IRS is reminding taxpayers to “Avoid the Rush,” detailing online options taxpayers and tax professionals can use to get information quickly to avoid long wait times on the IRS toll-free hotline this week and during the week of Feb. 19.
 
Avoid the rush: Pay taxes owed online or set up a payment plan
The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers who may unexpectedly owe additional tax that there are many online options for payment as well as online options for applying for a payment plan for those who cannot pay in full.
Questions about payments and installment plans are among the top reasons taxpayers call or visit the IRS. But they can avoid the rush, especially during the peak period of Presidents Day, by using IRS.gov resources. All taxes owed must be paid in full by the due date, which is Monday, April 15, 2019, for most taxpayers.
 
Avoid the rush: Fastest way to check tax refund is ‘Where’s My Refund?’ tool at IRS.gov
Offering time-saving alternatives to a telephone call, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers they can get fast answers to their refund questions by using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool available on IRS.gov and through the IRS2Go app. The IRS issues nine out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days, and the fastest way to get a refund is to use IRS e-file and direct deposit. Taxpayers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit will see their refunds, which by law must be held until mid-February, after Feb. 27.
 
The time around Presidents Day is a peak period for telephone calls to the IRS, resulting in longer than normal hold times for callers. Questions about tax refunds are the most frequent reason people call the IRS. People are encouraged to first check “Where’s My Refund?” or review the IRS Services Guide which links to many IRS online services.
 
NOTE: all of the above news releases are also available in Spanish.  Once you are on the page for a news release, look in the upper right corner, where you will see a link to view the information in Spanish, as shown in the screen shot below.
 
 
Tax Tips

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