The 2018 tax filing season began on Jan. 29, and even though taxes aren’t due for a few months, it’s not too early to start discussing your return with a certified public accountant (CPA). Although the newest legislation will not affect your 2017 taxes, you should be aware of some important information about filing your return this year. Linda M. Shiraiwa CPA, PS, an experienced accountant in Gig Harbor, WA, discusses some key facts to know about filing your taxes this year.

Tax Filing Deadline

The deadline to file taxes this year is Tuesday, April 17. Although taxes are usually due on April 15 each year, that date falls on a Sunday in 2018. This would normally move the deadline to the following Monday, but Emancipation Day is on April 16. Since that is a legal holiday in the District of Columbia, the filing deadline for individual taxpayers is pushed to April 17.

Possible Delayed Refunds

Some taxpayers will have their refunds delayed this year due to a new law requiring the IRS to hold refunds associated with the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Additional Child Tax Credit. This hold gives the IRS more time to match tax information from returns with W-2 and 1099 forms. Taxpayers claiming either credit will not receive their refund until the week of Feb. 27.

IRS Offers Taxpayer Assistance

The IRS offers tax help for anyone preparing and filing their returns on their website. Anyone needing information about a variety of issues, from checking their refund status to amending a return, can visit the IRS online for answers to some frequently asked questions. Taxpayers can also view their federal tax account information on the website.

Linda M. Shiraiwa CPA, PS, offers expert tax preparation services for individual and business clients, helping them get the largest refund they are entitled to receive. Give her office a call at (253) 858-6030 to schedule an appointment today. Visit her website to learn more about her tax accounting services.