IRS Tax Reform Tax Tip 2019-81, June 24, 2019
While the federal income tax filing deadline has passed for most people, there are some taxpayers still facing tax-related issues. This includes taxpayers who haven’t paid their taxes and those who are waiting for their refund.
Here are some tips for taxpayers handling some of the most typical after-tax-day issues. Here’s how taxpayers can:
Check the status of a refund
Taxpayers can check on their refund using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool. It is available on IRS.gov and the IRS2Go app. Taxpayers without access to a computer can call 800-829-1954. To use this tool, taxpayers need the first Social Security number on the tax return, the filing status, and the expected refund amount. The tool updates once daily, so taxpayers do not need to check more often.
Do a Paycheck Checkup
The IRS urges all employees, including those with other sources of income, to perform a Paycheck Checkup now. Doing a checkup will help employees make sure their employers are withholding the right amount of tax from their paychecks. Doing so now will help avoid an unexpected year-end tax bill and possibly a penalty.
The easiest way to a Paycheck Checkup is to use the Withholding Calculator on IRS.gov. Taxpayers can use the results from the Calculator to help fill out the Form W-4 and adjust their income tax withholding with their employer. Taxpayers who receive pension income can use the results from the calculator to complete a Form W-4P and give it to their payer.
Review payment options
Taxpayers who owe taxes can review their options online. Taxpayers can:
- View their balance online
- Pay their balance with IRS Direct Pay
- Pay by debit or credit card
- Apply online for a payment plan
Before accessing their tax account online, users must authenticate their identity through the Secure Access process.
Find out if they need to amend a tax return
After filing their return, taxpayers may find they made an error or forgot to enter something on it. Taxpayers can use the Interactive Tax Assistant, Should I File an Amended Return? to help determine if they should correct an error or make other changes to the tax return they already filed.
Common errors that taxpayers should fix are those made about filing status, income, deductions and credits. Taxpayers usually do not need to file an amended return to fix a math error or if they forgot to attach a form or schedule. Normally the IRS will correct the math error and notify the taxpayer by mail. Similarly, the agency will send a letter requesting any missing forms or schedules.
Taxpayer must file Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (PDF), on paper. Those expecting a refund from their original return, should not file an amended return before the original return has been processed.