2023 income tax return: Here’s what you need to know before you file | CNN Business (2024)

2023 income tax return: Here’s what you need to know before you file | CNN Business (1)

Preparing your taxes will be less stressful if you collect all the documents you'll need first, including the tax reporting forms sent to you electronically.

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Come Monday, the IRS will start accepting and processing 2023 federal income tax returns.

Filing your taxes is a task you may not like, but it’s one you can’t ignore — at least not without a potentially hefty penalty.

Here are eight things that can make the experience of preparing and filing your taxes as easy, efficient and inexpensive as possible.

1. Know your deadlines: Unless you file for an automatic six-month extension, the filing deadline for most people is April 15. And even if you get an extension, April 15 is the day by which you must pay any remaining taxes you owe for 2023, even if you don’t file by that date. Otherwise you may face a late payment penalty — with interest.

Thanasis/Moment RF/Getty Images Related article IRS will start accepting 2023 tax returns on January 29

Tax filers in Maine and Massachusetts, however, have until April 17 to file and pay, due to those states’ holiday observance of Patriots’ Day and Emancipation Day.

If you live or do business in a federally declared disaster area, the IRS likely has extended the deadline for you to file and pay. Here is the list of places where tax relief is available.

2. Pull out your return from last year: Your 2022 tax return will give you a good starting point for figuring out what documents you need to have handy to fill out this year’s return, said Tom O’Saben, director of tax content and government relations at the National Association of Tax Professionals.

That’s especially the case if, like many people, you’ve told all your financial record keepers (eg, employers, banks, brokerages, insurers, etc.) not to send you paper documents.

You need to go back to all those sources online to see what 2023 tax forms they have created for you and filed with the IRS. Ditto if you collected unemployment last year or had any other one-off payments that are potentially taxable.

“We say we don’t want paper documents. But that doesn’t mean a document doesn’t exist,” O’Saben said.

3. Assess what big changes, if any, occurred in your life in 2023: If you got married or divorced, had a baby, became widowed, sold a home or other big investment, started receiving Social Security, moved to a new state, or underwent any other major life transition last year, that may change your tax liability (or refund) from what it was on your 2022 return.

If nothing major changed for you, but you find you have a very big difference in your tax liability or refund when you fill out your return, check your math.

“Tax laws are not dramatically different this year than last year. [So] it may be a simple data entry error,” O’Saben said.

4. Have a small business or side gig? Check if you got a 1099-K from a payment app: If you got paid through third-party payment apps like Venmo for side gigs or a small business, check your account online to see if the company issued you a 1099-K.

A sign outside the Internal Revenue Service building in 2021 in Washington, DC. Patrick Semansky/AP Related article IRS set to launch its free tax filing pilot program. Here’s how it will work

The IRS has once again delayed implementation of the rule requiring third-party payment providers from having to provide 1099-Ks for business transactions that in total exceed $600 a year. However, some states already require the forms be issued when transactions exceed that threshold, O’Saben said.

If you did get a 1099-K, make sure all the transactions reported on it reflect true business transactions and not personal items like your friends paying you for their share of dinner. If the form does include some personal transactions, include all the information from your 1099-K on your return, but exclude those personal transactions and include a note alerting the IRS that the amount you subtracted is not business income, O’Saben advised.

5. Fill out this form if you qualify for premium tax credits for your health insurance: If you received advanced premium tax credits to help pay for health insurance you bought on the public exchange, he noted, you must fill out Form 8962. Information you’ll need to include on it will come from Form 1095-A that should have been issued to you.The same applies if you think you qualify for premium tax credits but didn’t receive them, according to the IRS.

6. Keep an eye on Congress for potential increases in two tax breaks: Lawmakers are still duking it out over the specifics of a bipartisan tax package that contains two provisions that could save money for some filers claiming the child tax credit and for small business owners.

The dome of the U.S. Capitol is reflected in a window on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., April 20, 2023. REUTERS/Amanda Andrade-Rhoades Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/Reuters Related article Lawmakers unveil longshot $78 billion deal to expand child tax credit and restore business tax breaks

Should the package become law, the Child Tax Credit could be expanded to temporarily enable lower income families to claim more of the credit on their 2023 tax returns. (More on that here.)

The same tax package also would increase how much small business owners can write off from the purchase of new equipment. Currently, you’re allowed to deduct 80% of the cost the year you buy it. If the current tax bill becomes law, that amount would go up to 100%.

If you think those provisions affect you, you might want to wait a little bit before filing your return to see how things shake out, O’Saben said.

7. Speed your refund: If you are owed a refund (like the majority of tax filers), the IRS typically issues them within 21 days of accepting your return. But note that if you are claiming an Earned Income Tax Credit, the IRS cannot by law issue the EITC-related refund before mid-February and it estimates that those refunds will be available for filers starting February 27. But, O’Saben said, there is a chance the IRS will send you the non-EITC portion of your refund sooner than that.

In any case, the best way to ensure you get your refund as quickly as possible is to fill out your return accurately and completely, electronically file it and select “direct deposit” when asked how you want to receive payment. So before sending it in, double-check your math, and make sure your name, address and Social Security number are correct. It also means reporting all of your taxable income for the year — including money from a salaried job, dividends and interest, rental income and any business income you have received through payment apps as well as other means, including cash.

Here is a list of the most common and costly tax return mistakes the IRS has seen over the years.

To find out how quickly you are likely to get your refund once you have submitted your return, you can use the agency’s Where’s My Refund tool.

8. You may be able to file for free: It has been the case for a while now that if your income is low enough (this year, $79,000 or less) and if you have a simple enough return, you could prepare and electronically file your federal tax return for free with select tax software providers.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - FEBRUARY 22: Turbo Tax is displayed on devices on February 22, 2018 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Kimberly White/Getty Images for TurboTax) Kimberly White/Getty Images Related article FTC bans TurboTax from advertising ‘free’ services, calls it deceptive

But this year, the IRS has launched a pilot program called Direct File that lets you do all of that directly without the middleman. The pilot is being launched on a limited basis for now. The program will only operate in 12 states this year: Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. Initially, it will only be available for federal and state government employees in those states. In a month or two, it may also be open to some private sector workers.

There is no income limitation on who may use the program, but Direct File can’t be used by filers who itemize their deductions. And it won’t be open to those with very different types of income outside of your W-2 earnings from employers, Social Security benefits, interest income and unemployment compensation. Lastly, the program cannot be used to file your state returns, so you’ll have to do that separately but your state may have its own free file program. (More details on the federal Direct File program are here.)

CNN’s Katie Lobosco and Tami Luhby contributed to this report.

As a seasoned tax professional with extensive experience in tax preparation and compliance, I understand the complexities and nuances involved in the annual ritual of filing taxes. Over the years, I've helped countless individuals navigate the ever-evolving tax landscape, staying abreast of the latest changes and strategies to optimize financial outcomes.

Let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article, providing insights and additional information to enhance your understanding:

  1. Know Your Deadlines:

    • The general filing deadline is April 15 for most individuals unless an automatic six-month extension is filed.
    • Tax filers in Maine and Massachusetts have until April 17 due to the observance of Patriots’ Day and Emancipation Day.
    • Residents in federally declared disaster areas may have extended filing deadlines.
  2. Review Previous Year's Return:

    • Utilize your 2022 tax return as a reference to identify necessary documents for the current year.
    • Ensure to check online sources for 2023 tax forms submitted electronically.
  3. Assess Life Changes in 2023:

    • Major life events such as marriage, divorce, having a baby, moving, or other significant changes can impact your tax liability.
    • Verify any unexpected differences in tax liability, as it could be a data entry error.
  4. Small Business or Side Gig? Check 1099-K:

    • If involved in a small business or side gig, check for a 1099-K from payment apps like Venmo.
    • Ensure accurate reporting of business transactions and distinguish personal transactions to avoid discrepancies.
  5. Premium Tax Credits for Health Insurance:

    • If you received advanced premium tax credits for health insurance, complete Form 8962 using information from Form 1095-A.
    • Even if you think you qualify for premium tax credits and didn't receive them, you should still fill out the form.
  6. Monitor Congress for Potential Changes:

    • Legislative changes may impact tax breaks, such as the expansion of the Child Tax Credit and increased deductions for small business owners.
    • Consider delaying filing if these changes might benefit you.
  7. Speed Up Your Refund:

    • For those expecting a refund, the IRS typically issues refunds within 21 days.
    • If claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), note that EITC-related refunds may be delayed until mid-February.
  8. File for Free:

    • Individuals with an income of $79,000 or less may qualify to file federal tax returns for free using select tax software providers.
    • The IRS's Direct File pilot program allows eligible individuals to file directly, available in 12 states initially.

In conclusion, being proactive, organized, and informed is key to navigating the tax season successfully. Consider these tips to streamline your tax preparation process and maximize your financial benefits.

2023 income tax return: Here’s what you need to know before you file | CNN Business (2024)

FAQs

What do I need to know about filing taxes in 2023? ›

2023 Taxes: 8 Things to Know Now
  1. Income tax brackets shifted a bit. ...
  2. The standard deduction increased slightly. ...
  3. Itemized deductions remain mostly the same. ...
  4. IRA and 401(k) limits are slightly higher. ...
  5. You can save a bit more in your health savings account (HSA) ...
  6. The Child Tax Credit could give you a tax break.

What are three moves to get your tax refund faster in 2023? ›

"The IRS reminds taxpayers to take some important steps when filing their tax returns for a smoother process. They should gather their necessary tax records, file an accurate return electronically and choose direct deposit to get their refunds faster."

How can I maximize my tax return in 2023? ›

4 ways to increase your tax refund come tax time
  1. Consider your filing status. Believe it or not, your filing status can significantly impact your tax liability. ...
  2. Explore tax credits. Tax credits are a valuable source of tax savings. ...
  3. Make use of tax deductions. ...
  4. Take year-end tax moves.

How much money can you make without filing taxes 2023? ›

If you have income below the standard deduction threshold for 2023, which is $13,850 for single filers and $27,700 for those married filing jointly, you may not be required to file a return.

What deduction can I claim without receipts? ›

What does the IRS allow you to deduct (or “write off”) without receipts?
  • Self-employment taxes. ...
  • Home office expenses. ...
  • Self-employed health insurance premiums. ...
  • Self-employed retirement plan contributions. ...
  • Vehicle expenses. ...
  • Cell phone expenses.
Nov 10, 2022

At what age is Social Security no longer taxed? ›

Social Security income can be taxable no matter how old you are. It all depends on whether your total combined income exceeds a certain level set for your filing status. You may have heard that Social Security income is not taxed after age 70; this is false.

How to get $7,000 tax refund? ›

Requirements to receive up to $7,000 for the Earned Income Tax Credit refund (EITC)
  1. Have worked and earned income under $63,398.
  2. Have investment income below $11,000 in the tax year 2023.
  3. Have a valid Social Security number by the due date of your 2023 return (including extensions)
Apr 12, 2024

What can I write off on my taxes? ›

If you itemize, you can deduct these expenses:
  • Bad debts.
  • Canceled debt on home.
  • Capital losses.
  • Donations to charity.
  • Gains from sale of your home.
  • Gambling losses.
  • Home mortgage interest.
  • Income, sales, real estate and personal property taxes.

Is it better to claim 1 or 0 on your taxes? ›

Claiming 1 on your tax return reduces withholdings with each paycheck, which means you make more money on a week-to-week basis. When you claim 0 allowances, the IRS withholds more money each paycheck but you get a larger tax return.

How do I get a bigger tax refund? ›

Here are four simple ways to get a bigger tax refund according to the experts we spoke to.
  1. Contribute more to your retirement and health savings accounts.
  2. Choose the right deduction and filing strategy.
  3. Donate to charity.
  4. Be organized and thorough.
Mar 4, 2024

What increases your refund? ›

Adjusting for more withholding if you have additional income a second job or investments. Adjusting for less withholding if you are expecting to claim itemized deductions rather than the standard deductions. Any additional income tax you would like withheld from each paycheck.

What is the average tax return for a single person making $60000? ›

If you make $60,000 a year living in the region of California, USA, you will be taxed $13,653. That means that your net pay will be $46,347 per year, or $3,862 per month.

What disqualifies you from earned income credit? ›

In general, disqualifying income is investment income such as taxable and tax-exempt interest, dividends, child's interest and dividend income reported on the return, child's tax-exempt interest reported on Form 8814, line 1b, net rental and royalty income, net capital gain income, other portfolio income, and net ...

Does Social Security count as income? ›

You must pay taxes on up to 85% of your Social Security benefits if you file a: Federal tax return as an “individual” and your “combined income” exceeds $25,000. Joint return, and you and your spouse have “combined income” of more than $32,000.

How much is a dependent worth on taxes 2023? ›

For tax years prior to 2018, every qualified dependent you claimed could reduce your taxable income by up to the exemption amount, equal to $4,050 in 2017. In 2023, exemption deductions are replaced by: An increased standard deduction. A larger Child Tax Credit (worth up to $2,000 per qualifying child)

What is the average tax refund for 2023? ›

More from Smart Tax Planning:

Last year, the average refund for the 2023 filing season was $3,167, as of Dec. 29, according to the IRS. A lot of people who typically file early — such as earned income tax recipients and child tax credit recipients — still haven't filed, Steber said.

Why do I owe so much in taxes 2023? ›

Whether your income went north or south—or even stayed the same—the rate at which your income is taxed could have changed when income ranges for the 7 federal tax brackets were adjusted for tax year 2023. Across the board, the brackets increased by about 7% from 2022 because of inflation.

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