According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you can begin filing individual income tax returns for 2021 on January 24, 2022. That is the earliest date that “the tax agency will begin accepting and processing 2021 tax returns” (IR-2022-08, 2022). That means now is an optimal time to schedule a tax preparation appointment with one of Hollis Lewis & Company’s experienced certified public accountants (CPAs).
Keep a close eye on the mail for essential communications from IRS and bring these to your tax preparation appointment, along with income documentation, such as current year’s W-2s and 1099s. By being proactive in gathering and organizing all required information, you can help ensure that a CPA files a complete and accurate return on your behalf, ultimately promoting its and any refund’s timeliness.
“The IRS anticipates most taxpayers will receive their refund within 21 days of when they file electronically if they choose direct deposit and there are no issues with their tax return.” However, delays may be possible under specific circumstances, such as if you are claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit. A certified public accountant can provide you with more information should any delays pertain to your situation.
What to Bring to Your Appointment?
There are several things you can do to help a CPA efficiently and effectively prepare your individual or business tax return for 2021, most importantly, bringing the following documentation in addition to government-issued identification for you and your spouse should you be married and filing jointly. The IRS also recommends bringing Social Security cards for you, your spouse, and your dependents to the appointment.
Here’s what to bring to your tax preparation appointment:
- W-2s and 1099s
- Health coverage statements
- Letter 6419 about advance child tax credits
- Copies of previous tax returns or transcripts
- Letter 6475 about your third economic impact payment
- Interest and dividend statements from financial institutions
- Proof of charitable donations made before December 31, 2021
- Proof of childcare expenses paid during 2021 and the provider’s tax identification number
Because taxes are incredibly unique to each individual and business, a CPA may require additional information or documentation to complete this service. At Hollis Lewis & Company, we provide all clients with access to our Firm Portal, allowing them to upload any additional documents that may be required securely.
Make a Tax Preparation Appointment Today
Hollis Lewis & Company, PLLC is a Houston CPA firm committed to providing our clients with professional and personalized tax preparation, accounting solutions, and business services. If you’re looking for respected financial advisors in Harris or Montgomery County, our certified public accountants (CPAs) have more than 90 years of combined accounting, business, and tax planning and preparation experience!
Make an appointment today by contacting us at either our Clear Lake location – (281) 461-7000 – or our The Woodlands location at (281) 364-8888.
Resources:
IR-2021-217. “Get ready for taxes: Easy steps taxpayers can take now to make tax filing easier in 2022.” Internal Revenue Service (IRS), November 8, 2021.
IR-2021-243. “Get ready for taxes: What’s new and what to consider when filing in 2022.” Internal Revenue Service (IRS), December 7, 2021.
IR-2022-08. “2022 tax filing season begins Jan. 24; IRS outlines refund timing and what to expect in advance of April 18 tax deadline.” Internal Revenue Service (IRS), January 10, 2022.
“What to Bring to Your Local VITA or TCE Site.” Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
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