The 2018 tax season is officially underway. Taxpayers can now file their income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service. This year, taxpayers have until April 17 to file their returns, since April 15 falls on a Sunday and April 16 is Emancipation Day, which is a holiday in Washington, D.C.
IRS officials expect more than 155 million returns this year, most of which will be filed electronically. Seventy percent of taxpayers are expected to get refunds. The IRS says it issues nine out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days. On top of that, tax returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit, will not have their refunds issued until the middle of February.
IRS officials have a few tips to make sure the process goes smoothly. Low- and -moderate-income taxpayers can get free help, through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs. Those with an expired Individual Taxpayer Identification Number are urged to renew it soon, to avoid delays. IRS officials add that the fastest and safest way to file is to do so electronically and choose direct deposit.
