FAQs
How long should I keep my tax records for?
Keep records for 3 years from the date you filed your original return or 2 years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later, if you file a claim for credit or refund after you file your return. Keep records for 7 years if you file a claim for a loss from worthless securities or bad debt deduction.
When are taxes due?
April 18, 2022 - not April 15 - is the IRS Tax Deadline, or Tax Day, for 2021 Tax Returns. For residents of Maine and Massachusetts, the deadline is April 19, 2022 due to the Patriot's Day holiday in those states.
When will I get my refund?
If you e-filed your return, you can normally expect your refund about 21 days after filing. If you mailed a paper return, it can take six weeks or more for the IRS to issue a refund.
Keep in mind that some circumstances can delay a refund. If you filed early in the season and claimed the earned income tax credit or additional child tax credit on your return, the IRS may hold your refund, since federal law doesn’t allow the IRS to issue those refunds before mid-February.
It’s also possible for a refund to be delayed if the IRS needs to give a return more attention. A return can take longer to process for multiple reasons.
Once you’ve filed your federal income tax return and know you’re expecting a refund, you can track it through the “Where’s My Refund” tool from the IRS.
How do I know if I need to file a tax return?
Whether you're required to file a tax return will depend on several factors, including your gross income, filing status, age, and whether you're a dependent on someone else's federal income tax return. And you may have to file even if you don't owe any tax.