April 2022 Tax Tips

2022: The year where, once again, April 15 isn't Tax Day.

Ah, April. The month of showers, spring-like weather, and Tax Day.

But not, at least tax-wise, in 2022.

As happened last year, the April 15 tax return filing and tax due paying deadline has been moved. However, this year it's not because of the coronavirus pandemic.

2022's new Tax Day is is just a couple of days from the regular deadline. It's April 18 because of the plain old calendar and how the Internal Revenue Service deals with tax deadlines falling on weekends or federal holidays. The affected due dates get bumped to the next business day.

April 15 this year is on Friday, which also is the Emancipation Day holiday in Washington, D.C. Tax law says that when this mid-April commemoration of the freeing of slaves in the District of Columbia falls on Tax Day, the filing deadline gets moved to the next business day. So we set our tax sites on Monday, April 18.

In addition to more time to get our 1040 forms done (and 2021 tax year bills paid), we also get another couple of days to put money into and count it as 2021 contributions to traditional or Roth IRAs, health savings accounts (HSAs), Archer Medical Savings Accounts (Archer MSAs), and Coverdell education savings accounts (Coverdell ESAs).

Unless we are taxpayers in Maine or Massachusetts. April 18 is Patriots Day, a legal holiday in these two New England states. So those filers get until Tuesday, April 19, to complete their tax filing.

I know, it's one day into April and I'm already exhausted by tax technicalities.

The following tax tips, however, should help all of us get our taxes done by the slightly extended due date. So, once you're rested and ready, here goes!

Don't fall for these 10 tax myths — The intrawebz and social media have made April Fools' Day even more sketchy, so be careful out there today! And on this April 1st or any day of the year, don't be fooled by these persistent tax myths. (April 1, 2022
5 April tax filing moves — Welcome to April, the month of spring showers, MLB baseball (finally!), and Tax Day. Yep, the Internal Revenue Service has us taxpayers back on a mid-April schedule after two seasons of COVID Tax Day delays. Here are some April Tax Moves to consider as this year's April 18 deadline nears. (April 4, 2022)
Ways to pay your tax bill — If you owe taxes this filing season, the IRS offers plenty of ways to pay . Five are electronic. (April 5 2022)
Some IRS TACs open Saturday, April 9 — If you need to talk with an Internal Revenue Service rep in person about a tax matter, 40 of the agency's Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) in 24 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, will be open this Saturday, April 9. Find the one near you and just walk in, no appointment required. (April 7, 2022)
Ways to pay a surprisingly large tax bill — You finished your tax return, but discovered you owe Uncle Sam much more than you expected. Worse, you don't have the cash to cover your total tax bill. What now? Here are some ways to deal with a tax balance that's just too darn big to pay in one fell swoop. (April 9, 2022)

Picking the proper filing status — Most folks' filing status stays the same from tax year to tax year. But a change (or two, or more) in your personal situation could mean you need to revisit how you file your return. The Internal Revenue Service gives us 5 filing status choices. Pick the proper one. It could make a big difference in your tax bill. (April 10, 2022)

Yes, it's tax time déjà vu.

In this last week leading up to Tax Day 2022,
some of the following tax tips are repeats
of ones run in prior months.
I'm just trying to make things a bit easier
for all the frantic filers rushing to meet the April 18 deadline.

For all y'all taxpayers who got your taxes done on time,
smugness is allowed. Thanks, too, for your patience
with those of us who are still, and will be
for the next few months,
working on our tax year 2021 Form 1040s.

Tips for tax-filing newbies — Are your filing your first-ever tax return this year? Welcome to the 150-million-plus taxpaying club. These 8 tips for tax newbies could help make your initiation a bit easier. (April 11, 2022)
Maximizing itemized tax deductions — Most taxpayers claim the standard deduction when they file their tax returns. In some cases, though, itemizing makes for more tax savings. Here's how to maximize the expenses you can claim on Schedule A. (April 12, 2022)
Time running out to claim 2018 tax year refunds — If you didn't file a tax year 2018 return three years ago and missed out on a refund back then, you've got until this approaching April 18 Tax Day to get that old paperwork to the Internal Revenue Service. If you miss the deadline, Uncle Sam gets to keep your money. Also, check out how much unclaimed, potentially forfeited refund money is available in your state. (April 12, 2022)
Estimated tax deadline also April 18 — Don't forget about estimated taxes if you make money that isn't subject to withholding. The first 1040-ES payment for the 2022 tax year also is due on Tax Day, Monday, April 18. (April 13, 2022)
25 tax deductions without itemizing — Most taxpayers don't itemize, especially since tax law changes back in 2017 created much larger standard deduction amounts. But standard deduction filers, and itemizers, too, can claim some write-offs directly on Form 1040's Schedule 1. There are 25 possibilities, still referred to as above-the-line deductions, and they include popular write-offs such as educators' out-of-pocket expenses, contributions to IRAs, and a variety of self-employed breaks. (April 14, 2022)
10 last-minute tax filing tips — Are you still working on, or about to start, your 2021 tax return? Here are 10 last-minute tax filing tips that could help you complete the job by Tax Day on April 18. (April 14, 2022)
Form 4868 will get you more time to file — The April 18 tax filing deadline is just days away, but you need much more time than that to finish filling in your return. No worries. Instead, file Form 4868 to get six more months to finish your taxes. Just be sure to pay any tax you owe when you get your extension so that you won't face added penalties and interest charges. (April 15, 2022)
FBAR filing deadline also is April 18 — If you've gone financially global by adding international assets to your holdings, a key deadline is nearly here. You must file Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts, or FBAR, by Tax Day, which this year is April 18. Here are some FAQ about these filings. (April 16, 2022)
Extra day for NE taxpayers — If you live in Maine or Massachusetts, you get 24 more hours to file your 2021 tax return. While Tax Day this year is Monday, April 18, because of the Emancipation Day holiday, as noted in the intro to April's tax tips, it's also Patriots Day in those two New England (yes, NE stands for that, although northeast works, too) states. So those filers get until Tuesday, April 19, to file their returns. (April 16, 2022)
Disasters delay Tax Day for filers in 5 states & Puerto Rico — Most U.S. taxpayers (except those noted New Englanders in #13) must meet tomorrow's April 18 tax filing (and paying) deadline. However, some in 5 states and Puerto Rico have even longer. May 16 is the due date for some of the states' filers; June 15 is Tax Day for those living in the U.S. island territory. Jealous? Don't be. These taxpayers get more time because they live in areas hit by major disasters. (April 17, 2022)
Don't forget your state taxes — If you have to file a federal tax return, you probably have to file a state one, too. Most states follow the Internal Revenue Service lead in asking their residents to submit returns electronically. Most also offer free online state tax filing options. (April 17, 2022)
7 tips to get you through Tax Day 2022 — Tax Day 2022 is here. If you're ready to finish up your tax return filing, great. If you're not, here are some tips that could help. You'll also find some tax moves you might want to consider regardless of where you are on the filing spectrum this April 18th. (April 18, 2022)
Didn't file on April 18? Do this now! — So you missed Tax Day. It happens. Don't panic. But don't dawdle. Here are some post-filing tax moves to make as soon as possible. They will limit any penalty and interest charges that started accruing at 12:01 a.m. April 19. And if you didn't legally have to file, check out #5 for a good reason to do so as soon as possible anyway. (April 20, 2022)
Form 1040-X can help fix tax filing mistakes — No one wants to file more than one tax return, but sometimes mistakes on a 1040 mean a re-do is required. Your amended return is filed on Form 1040-X. Here are 7 tips to make that additional filing easier. (April 25, 2022)
5 post-filing tax tasks to take care of now — You sent the IRS your 1040 so you're done with taxes for this year, right? Not quite. Here are five other post-filing tax tasks you might want to make before you close the 2022 filing season book. (April 27, 2022)

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Looking for some more tax tips? Then click on the links below to see what was featured that month. One warning, though, in the months yet to come, which right now is May through December, you won't find any tips.

Instead, you'll be greeted by an animated nay-saying fellow making good use of one of my favorite Texas sayings. Tax info will replace that fun and folksy GIF as the months arrive.

January	July
February	August
March	September
April	October
May	November
June	December

Today's Tax Tip

10 December tax moves — I love Santa Claus, but even the Jolly Old Elf isn’t magical enough provide the tax solutions you asked for in your letter to him. You’re going to have to make some tax moves this December yourself, like these 10 suggestions. (Dec. 1, 2024)
The 2024 Tax Tips offer ways to file your annual return, along with post-filing advice, important tax news and, of course, ways to cut your current tax year bill. You'll find the monthly assemblages on their own respective pages: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December. Remember, tax tasks and tips don't stop after you file your annual return!

All About Kay

OK, some about Kay

Kay Bell — Native Texan
(the blog title totally makes sense now, right?). Professional journalist. Tax geek.
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Tax Season 2024 Final Push

It's over! The final 2023 tax year extended filing deadline has passed, unless you get more time because your filing due date was extended further by a natural disaster like the three hurricanes that have made landfall in Florida this fall.

For most of us, though, the passage of Oct. 15 means it's time to focus on the tax return we'll file next year. We have until Dec. 31 this year to make moves that will reduce our already accruing 2024 tax bill. The monthly tips and reminders a little further down this column suggest ways to do just that.

Finally, keep an eye on the countdown clock just below. It's keeping track of just how many days are left for us to make these tax moves.
Note: I'm in the Central Time Zone, so adjust accordingly for where you live.

Time for Tax Tasks

Ho 🎅 Ho 🎅 Ho!
December is here!
You better watch out. You better not cry. But you better make some year-end tax moves this December or next April 15 could turn out to be the tax equivalent of Santa Claus putting coal in your stocking.

Click image to hear a musical Santa message from The Boss, Bruce Springsteen.
OK, St. Nick can't deliver a festively wrapped, already prepared tax return for you (unless he's even more magical than I think!) to file next year, but he does have a tax connection.
Santa's tracking of naughty and nice boys and girls basically is the same method that the Internal Revenue Service uses. That's why we all need to be nice, especially to ourselves, in this final month of the year by making some important tax-saving moves. Let's get to it!
Dec. 1: It’s here. The last month of the year, meaning the last 31 days to make tax moves that could shave some off your 2024 tax bill, as well as set up 2025 as another saving, and easy, tax year. You could make things even easier on yourself if you opt next filing season to turn over your taxes to a professional. The key is picking the perfect tax pro for your filing (and more) needs. And you need to start your search now, as the good tax pros’ client lists fill up fast. If you can hire one soon, there’s a December bonus. You might get some year-end tax tips!

Dec. 4: In the meantime, check out these 10 tax moves to make in December. They could be the perfect tax present to give yourself.

Dec. 10: Do you work as a server at a restaurant or at any other establishment where gratuities from customers are part of your compensation? I hope you get all the tips you deserve for doing your job well. Remember, though, that those tips are taxable income.

Whether you're dining at your favorite eatery or getting food delivered to your home, if a tip isn't included on your restaurant or delivery bill, click the image above to calculate how much to tip the person who brought it to you.

And if you got at least $20 in gratuities in November for your extraordinary services as a food server or hair stylist or parking valet or whatever job where tipping is common, you must report that amount by today. Use Form 4070 to let your employer know the total tips you took in last month.

Dec. 13: It’s the holiday season, full of joy and peace and goodwill toward all. So what the heck is a Friday the 13thh doing in December? Don’t worry, as least not about tax fears and superstitions. Check out the tax truth about these 13 tax misperceptions. They’ll help get you through today and help you be a fearless taxpayer year-round.

Dec. 15: Christmas is just 10 days away! If you're still shopping for gifts, you're probably searching for the perfect present online. But beware and be wary. Internet crooks also are logged on, looking to steal your money and identity. Many of the holiday scams use the same techniques as tax scammers employ. Any personal information they get now can be used at tax time to file a fake return in your name and claim a fraudulent refund. So be careful out there, now and next filing season, and, well, unfortunately all the time.

Dec. 19: Are you taking on multiple gig jobs to make some extra holiday cash to pay for all those online orders? Those added side hustles mean you're an independent contractor. And that means you're responsible for paying income taxes due on the money, as well as any self-employment tax. In most cases, that means paying estimated tax on these end-of-year earnings by Jan. 15, 2025, to avoid a possible penalty for not paying as you earned the money.

Dec. 23: It's Christmas Week! That means holiday treats, final decorations — or first, if you wait until the very end to get a tree — and frantic last-minute shopping! Rather than worry about how you'll get the perfect gift under the tree on time, consider instead giving some easy tax-favored presents. Open a Roth IRA for your child or grandchild who earned some money this year. Or pay tuition by Dec. 31 for classes that will start in the first quarter of 2025.

Dec. 24: Christmas Eve!
No taxes tonight. It's early to bed for kiddies of all ages. Santa's on his way!

Click image to watch NORAD track Santa's Christmas Eve delivery route.

Dec. 25: Merry Christmas! My gift to you is another day without tax thoughts.
Just enjoy the holiday and your family and friends.

Dec. 26: Happy Boxing Day. This unofficial holiday on St. Stephen's Day is celebrated by additional giving.
If you donate to your favorite charity on this Boxing Day or any other day by Dec. 31, on your 2023 taxes you'll have to itemize your gifts on Schedule A to claim them. If you don’t have enough expenses to exceed your standard deduction amount this tax year, consider delaying your charitable contributions until early January as part of a tax deduction bunching strategy.

Dec. 31: This is it. The drop-dead deadline to make most 2024 tax moves. A quick and easy action today is to zero out your medical flexible spending account (FSA) by buying over-the-counter medications for which the funds can be used. This is especially important if your employer doesn't offer a grace period to use the money or let you roll some FSA money over into 2025. Without those alternatives, you'll lose any FSA funds you don't use.

Done? Great! Make sure the champagne is chilling and settle in for your New Year's Eve party or a cozy night at home with your friends and loved ones. Either way, cheers and Auld Lang Syne as the ball drops at midnight.

Small Business Tax Calendar: Important filing, deposit and record keeping dates throughout the year that your company needs to know. You can get more tax calendar information at the IRS' online calendar page and view the full year's important business and individual tax dates in IRS Pub. 509.

State Tax Help

Don't forget your state taxes!
Forty-three states and D.C. collect personal income taxes. But even if you live in of the seven states without an income levy, you still face other state (and local) taxes.

State Tax Departments provides links to your state's Web page. The companion page, Tax Tidbits, is the compilation of blurbs about each state's tax laws. And for more state tax news, check out all our state tax bloggings.

Tax Forms

Thanks to our increased use of tax preparers and computer software, many of us don't see our tax forms until we sign and file them. But knowing what's on these documents, either in paper or digital form, and why the IRS wants it is key to understanding our tax system. And knowledge definitely is power, especially when it comes to tax savings. Find this valuable information in the ol' blog's special Tax Forms 2024 page.

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Tax Reading Room
You also might enjoy these other tax tips from some of my tax-writing colleagues:
J.K. Lasser 2024 Taxes
Taxes for Dummies 2024
Tax Savvy for Small Business

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I gotta tell ya ...

AKA Disclaimer:

I am a professional journalist who has been covering tax issues since 1999. I am not a professional tax preparer.

The content on Don't Mess With Taxes is my personal interpretation and opinion based on my study and understanding of tax laws, policies, and regulations. It is provided for your private, noncommercial, educational, and informational purposes only. While I work to ensure each post's accuracy, the items are not recommendations of any specific tax action(s) you should or should not take. Similarly, mentions of commercial tax products or services are not endorsements.

In other words, my ramblings on the ol' tax blog are free advice, and you know what they say about getting what you pay for. That's why when it is time for you to file your own taxes, I urge you to get additional, professional, paid-for guidance from an accountant, Enrolled Agent, or other reputable, qualified tax preparer who is familiar with your individual tax circumstances.

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COVID-19 & Taxes

Coronavirus has wreaked havoc
on the 2020 and 2021 tax seasons.
These five Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Taxes pages have details:
March-July 2020
August-December 2020
January-December 2021
January-December 2022
…and so it continues into 2023
…and, alas, into 2024
You can find medical coronavirus resource links in the next section.

COVID-19 Resources

Need help finding a coronavirus vaccine in the United States?
Call 1-800-232-0233
or TTY 1-888-720-7489.
More information and resources at:
CDC Vaccines
CDC Booster Shots
HHS Combat COVID
USA.Gov COVID Info

December 2024

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Photo by Isaac Martin on Unsplash

Tell it to the Hill

While it's easy to rail at the IRS, for the most part we can thank — or blame — Congress and the White House for our tax laws. So if you have an issue with tax legislation or want a tax bill passed, you need to let your federal legislators and the White House occupant know of your concerns. You can find out who in Washington, D.C., to contact (and how), as well as get information on your local lawmakers for matters, tax or otherwise, closer to home, at USA Gov.

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