Written by Charlie Pohlson, Staff Writer
Every year, with the exception of this year, tax season starts Jan. 1 and spans to April 15. This year it started Jan. 28 because of the government shutdown.
Almost everyone with a job has their income taxed. Filing your taxes gives you back all or most of what was withheld from you in the form of a tax return.
Before you file your taxes, be sure that you’re filing with a credible government institution. According to sources such as CNBC, MarketWatch, and Forbes, millenials are the most vulnerable to tax scams.
Scammers reach out using regular mail, telephone, or email. The official Internal Revenue Service website states that they “do not initiate contact by email, text, or social media.” If you are ever in doubt about a site to file your taxes, check with the IRS before you continue using it.
Even credible sources will ask for money to file your taxes, and if you’re not careful, you could be spending money on something you could do yourself; kind of like an oil change. The IRS provides the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for anyone who makes $55,000 or less a year, persons with disabilities, and/or limited English speakers. To find your closest VITA location, you can call the toll free number 800-906-9887. If you prefer to do your taxes online, TurboTax offers a free edition to file your taxes. You just have to make an account.
You’re going to need quite a few things when you file your taxes, whether you are doing them from the comfort of your own home, or through a program.
You’ll need a photo ID, and your social security card. If you do not have social security, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number assignment letter may be used instead. However, proof of foreign status would be required.
Your birth date will be needed several times.
Your wage earning statements (i.e., W-2, W-2G) from all employers during 2018 will be required. These statements are usually issued out to you via mail. You will need a copy from every job that you worked at during 2018. If you were a full-time student during 2018, you can list “student” as your occupation.
The last items you will need are a copy of last year’s tax return, if you have one, and proof of your bank account, such as your routing number. (These can be found on blank checks or can be given to you by your bank). If you are being claimed as a dependant by someone, like your parents, you do not need to provide health insurance information. And, if you have copies of income transcripts from the IRS and state, those can be brought too.
That sure does sound like a lot, but it really doesn’t take long. Just set aside maybe one or two hours to file everything, and you’ll be done. You’ll receive an email (if you filed electronically) or some kind of notification from the IRS if what you filed was rejected. So make sure to get everything right the first time. Your tax return will take about three weeks to be deposited or received by you.
And, one last thing, don’t forget to make copies. You never know when you’ll need them.