Key points to keep in mind when filing 2022 tax returns https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/key-points-to-keep-in-mind-when-filing-2022-tax-returns https://accountinginstruction.info/ To help taxpayers navigate the beginning of the tax filing season, the Internal Revenue Service today offered a checklist of reminders for people as they prepare to file their 2022 tax returns. From gathering paperwork to filing a tax return, these easy steps will make tax preparation smoother in 2023: 1. Gather tax paperwork and records for accuracy to avoid missing a deduction or credit. Taxpayers should have all their important and necessary documents before preparing their return. This helps people file a complete and accurate tax return. Errors and omissions slow down tax processing, including refund times. Some information taxpayers need before they begin includes: Social Security numbers for everyone listed on the tax return, Bank account and routing numbers, Various tax forms such as W-2s, 1099s, 1098s and other income documents or records of digital asset transactions, Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace statement, Any IRS letters citing an amount received for a certain tax deduction or credit. ​​​​​​​2. Remember to report all types of income on the tax return. This is important to avoid receiving a notice or a bill from the IRS. Don't forget to include income from: Goods created and sold on online platforms, Investment income, Part-time or seasonal work, Self-employment or other business activities, Services provided through mobile apps. 3. File electronically with direct deposit to avoid delays in receiving a refund. Avoid paper returns. Tax software helps individuals avoid mistakes by doing the math. It guides people through each section of their tax return using a question-and-answer format. For those waiting on their 2021 tax return to be processed, here's a special tip to ensure their 2022 tax return is accepted by the IRS for processing. Make sure to enter $0 (zero dollars) for last year's adjusted gross income (AGI) on the 2022 tax return. Everyone else should enter their prior year's AGI from last year's return. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3lXygJVMLA

IRS warning Scammers work year-round; stay vigilant https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-warning-scammers-work-year-round-stay-vigilant https://accountinginstruction.info/ As the new year begins, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers to protect their personal and financial information throughout the year and watch out for IRS impersonation scams, along with other schemes, that try to trick people out of their hard-earned money. These schemes can involve text message scams, e-mail schemes and phone scams. This tax season, the IRS also warns people to watch out for signs of potential unemployment fraud. "With filing season underway, this is a prime period for identity thieves to hit people with realistic-looking emails and texts about their tax returns and refunds," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Watching out for these common scams can keep people from becoming victims of identity theft and protect their sensitive personal information that can be used to file tax returns and steal refunds." The IRS, state tax agencies and the nation's tax industry – working together in the Security Summit initiative – have taken numerous steps since 2015 to protect taxpayers, businesses and the tax system from identity thieves. Summit partners continue to warn people to watch out for common scams and schemes this tax season. Text message scams Last year, there was an uptick in text messages that impersonated the IRS. These scams are sent to taxpayers' smartphones and have referenced COVID-19 and/or "stimulus payments." These messages often contain bogus links claiming to be IRS websites or other online tools. Other than IRS Secure Access, the IRS does not use text messages to discuss personal tax issues, such as those involving bills or refunds. The IRS also will not send taxpayers messages via social media platforms. If a taxpayer receives an unsolicited SMS/text that appears to be from either the IRS or a program closely linked to the IRS, the taxpayer should take a screenshot of the text message and include the screenshot in an email to phishing@irs.gov with the following information: Date/time/time zone they received the text message Phone number that received the text message The IRS reminds everyone NOT to click links or open attachments in unsolicited, suspicious or unexpected text messages – whether from the IRS, state tax agencies or others in the tax community. Unemployment fraud As a new tax season begins, the IRS reminds workers to watch out for claims of unemployment or other benefit payments for which they never applied. States have experienced a surge in fraudulent unemployment claims filed by organized crime rings using stolen identities. Criminals are using these stolen identities to fraudulently collect benefits. Because unemp ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbEva1F_Pos