IRS to refund 1.6 million people who missed tax filing deadlines during the pandemic

[question everything]

The Internal Revenue Service is sending refunds to more than a million Americans who filed their taxes late in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Typically, taxpayers who file returns late without an extension can expect to pay penalties of up to 25% of the amount of tax they owe. For 2019 and 2020, however, the agency is suspending penalties for people who filed late. Taxpayers who already paid a fine will automatically receive refunds, the IRS said on Wednesday.

More than 1.6 million taxpayers are set to receive refunds or credits totaling $1.2 billion — an average of $750 per person, although some may get more and some less. To qualify for late-penalty forgiveness, individual tax returns must be filed by September 30, 2022.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/irs-refund-1-6-million-people-for-taxes-late-filing-penalty-pandemic/

[SWBTATTReg]

1. How about refunding our refunds for those of us that have filed? We're still waiting for ours, the

IRS says don't refile, so what do we do?

[question everything]

2. Ask your member of Cogress for help even if yours is a rabid R.

they should know how to inquire.

[SWBTATTReg]

3. Thanks, we're so frustrated. My SO is the one getting the refunds (two now), NTR! With all of the

stuff going on w/ refunds/checks/etc. from the IRS for programs to put more money in American's pockets, an actual tax return, seeking money back for overpayment of taxes (via paychecks) is overlooked. And they say don't refile! Calling the IRS is even worse. Your option does seem better. Thanks!

[sprinkleeninow]

4. Thanx for this.

Still haven't received 2 prior years refunds. Both timely filed. Last year agent said IRS was in error. I submitted any and all documentation that they requested. Cost $$ for 2 express certified mailings, return receipts requested. Hours upon hours on the phone. A variety of 'explanations'.

Now I need to get on the phone w/ mobile service provider. Why did bill go up $30? I got names and numbers for evidence of agreed upon plan change in June. Past 2 bills were in line, not the current one. Bull pucky.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

5. Oh, good, you got it. Adding a link:

PERSONAL FINANCE

The IRS is refunding a staggering $1.2 billion in late filing fees

If you didn’t file for 2019 or 2020, you have until Sept. 30 to send your return to the IRS and get the one-time relief

Advice by Michelle Singletary
Columnist
September 14, 2022 at 7:00 a.m. EDT

There might be a check coming in the mail if you were late filing a 2019 or 2020 federal return. In a one-time offer, the IRS is refunding $1.2 billion in late filing penalties for those tax years.

This unprecedented relief is an acknowledgment of the difficulties taxpayers have faced during the pandemic. While in ordinary filing seasons the IRS penalizes taxpayers for procrastination, the agency is signaling that it realizes that’s too harsh for many people who may have struggled to file their returns because of the pandemic.

{snip}

By Michelle Singletary
If you have a personal finance question for Washington Post columnist Michelle Singletary, please call 1-855-ASK-POST (1-855-275-7678). Her award-winning column, “The Color of Money,” is syndicated by The Washington Post News Service and Syndicate and carried in dozens of newspapers. Twitter https://twitter.com/SingletaryM

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

6. I wonder if the fact that I use an accountant to do my taxes and files them

is why I get my refunds in a week or so after filing?