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Tax returns, like snowflakes and thumbprints are unique and individual. So too, is each taxpayer’s refund. This is something for taxpayers to remember next year when someone they know says or posts on social media about receiving a federal tax refund.

Even though the IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days, it’s possible a taxpayer’s refund may take longer. Several factors can affect the timing of a taxpayer’s refund after the IRS receives their tax return. Here are a few things taxpayers should keep in mind if they are waiting on their refund but hear or see on social media that other taxpayers have already received theirs.The IRS and its partners in the tax industry continue to strengthen security reviews. This helps protect against identity theft and refund fraud. This means some tax returns need additional review, taking longer to process them.

It can take longer for the IRS to process a tax return that has errors. Therefore, taxpayers should consider filing their return electronically. The e-file software walks the taxpayer through the steps of filling out the return and does all the math.

E-file software can also help make sure a tax return is complete. This is important because it can also take longer to process an incomplete return. The IRS contacts a taxpayer by mail when more info is needed to process the return.

It can take banks or other financial institutions time to post the refund to the taxpayer’s account. It can take even longer for a taxpayer to receive their refund check by mail.

By law, the IRS cannot issue refunds for people claiming the earned income tax credit or additional child tax credit before mid-February. The law requires the IRS to hold the entire refund. This includes the portion of the refund not associated with EITC or ACTC.

For tax preparation call one of our offices:

Plymouth 734.454.4100, Allen Park 313.388.7180,
Grayling 989.348.4055, Royal Oak 248.399.7331, or St. Clair Shores 313.371.6600

Taxpayers with individual taxpayer identification numbers should find out if their number expires this year.  If it does, they should renew it now to avoid delays with their refund when they file their taxes next year.

An ITIN is a tax ID number used by taxpayers who don’t qualify for a Social Security number. Here’s what these taxpayers need to know about which numbers are expiring and how to renew them.

Which numbers are expiring at the end of this year?

Any ITIN with middle digits 83, 84, 85, 86 or 87.
Any ITIN not used on a tax return in the past three years.

What about numbers that expired in the last few years?
ITINs with middle digits 70 through 82 that expired in 2016, 2017 or 2018 can also be renewed.

How does someone renew their number?

Taxpayers with expiring ITINs need to complete renewal application, Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. They should include all required ID and residency documents. Failure to do so will delay processing. until the IRS receives these documents.

When should someone submit their renewal applications?

As soon as possible. With nearly 2 million taxpayer households affected, applying now will help avoid the rush.

What are some tips to avoid common mistakes that are made when submitting their renewal?

• Indicate the reason for the ITIN on the Form W-7.
• Mail the proper identification documents. Taxpayers mailing their ITIN renewal applications must include original identification documents or copies certified by the issuing agency and any other required attachments.
• Include all supporting documentation, such as U.S. residency or official documentation to support name changes.
• Complete the new W-7 application.

If you need help renewing your ITIN call one of our offices:

Plymouth 734.454.4100, Allen Park 313.388.7180,
Grayling 989.348.4055, Royal Oak 248.399.7331, or St. Clair Shores 313.371.6600

Taxpayers should be on the lookout for new variations of tax-related scams. In the latest twist on a scam related to Social Security numbers, scammers claim to be able to suspend or cancel the victim’s SSN. It’s yet another attempt by con artists to frighten people into returning ‘robocall’ voicemails.

Scammers may mention overdue taxes in addition to threatening to cancel the person’s SSN. If taxpayers receive a call threatening to suspend their SSN for an unpaid tax bill, they should just hang up.

Make no mistake…it’s a scam.

Taxpayers should not give out sensitive information over the phone unless they are positive they know the caller is legitimate. When in doubt –hang up. Here are some telltale signs of this scam. The IRS and its authorized private collection agencies will never:

• Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, iTunes gift card or wire transfer. The IRS does not use these methods for tax payments.
• Ask a taxpayer to make a payment to a person or organization other than the U.S. Treasury.
• Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.
• Demand taxes be paid without giving the taxpayer the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.

Taxpayers who don’t owe taxes and have no reason to think they do should:

• Report the call to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
• Report the caller ID and callback number to the IRS by sending it to phishing@irs.gov. The taxpayer should write “IRS Phone Scam” in the subject line.
• Report the call to the Federal Trade Commission. When reporting it, they should add “IRS Phone Scam” in the notes.

Taxpayers who owe tax or think they do should:

• View tax account information online at IRS.gov to see the actual amount owed and review their payment options.
• Call the number on the billing notice
• Call the IRS at 800-829-1040.

For help with your taxes or anything tax related, call one of our offices:

Plymouth 734.454.4100, Allen Park 313.388.7180,
Grayling 989.348.4055, Royal Oak 248.399.7331, or St. Clair Shores 313.371.6600