2021 and General Tax Resources
American Rescue Plan 2021 Part 1
Child and Dependent Care Credit, FSA changes, and EITC expanded
American Rescue Plan 2021 Part 2
EITC eligibility expanded, Child tax credit expanded, Advance payments for Child Tax Credit, Eligibility, General Info, and Sign-up for non-filers
IRS Account & Where’s My Refund?
Sign up for an IRS account. You can also check refund status, ensure direct deposit for faster refund
Withholding Estimator
Check withholding amount and learn whether and how to submit a new W-4
Taxes are pay-as-you-go
Where, why, and how to pay your estimated quarterly taxes:
Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, or EFTPS
More Payment Options - bank account, credit/debit card, payment plan options
How long to keep tax records
This varies widely - see here. General self-employment record-keeping info here
Interactive Tax Assistant
Questions answered re life events, credits/deductions, and much more
Selling a Home & Taxes
Publication 523 worksheets, Form 1099-S, the IRS’ suggestions for what to consider before a sale, and property sold at a loss
Online Free File
Almost everyone can file electronically for free: IRS2Go App, Free File Fillable Forms
Ways to prepare for taxes now
Check withholding: Perform a PAYCHECK CHECKUP using the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator
For more information check out this IRS video: HOW TO USE THE IRS WITHHOLDING ESTIMATOR
Gather documents such as:
Form W-2 from employers,
Form 1099 from banks and other payers
Forms 1095-A from the marketplace for those claiming the premium tax credit.
Confirm current mailing address with employer, banks and other financial institutions that will be sending out tax docs