File That Tax Return!

October extension deadline fast approaching

Monday, October 17th marks the extension deadline for filing your 2021 Form 1040 tax return. Given all the recent tax legislation, numerous stimulus checks and COVID-related tax changes, there are more open tax return filings than ever!

If you have not filed a tax return and don't think you need to file one, please reconsider. Billions of refunds go unclaimed each year by taxpayers that really should file a tax return.

Here's a quick checklist of situations when filing a tax return might make sense even if you don't have to:

• You are due a refund. Without filing, the government could end up keeping these funds. So double check your stimulus check payments. Did you get them? Were they for the full amount? Preparing a tax return, even if not filed, is a good exercise to ensure you received the full benefit.
• You had taxes withheld from your paychecks, but end up owing no tax for the year.
• You are eligible for Health Insurance Premium Credits. Be aware of this possible benefit if you use the market exchange to purchase your health care insurance.
• You are eligible for a refundable credit. This is true with the popular Earned Income Tax Credit, the Additional Child Tax Credit, and a portion of the American Opportunity Tax Credit.
• Your state requires a federally filed tax return.
• You want the filed tax return for your records.
• You wish to start your audit time clock. Remember, the audit timeframe never starts if you do not file your tax return.

Many taxpayers have trouble gathering accurate and complete information necessary to file their tax return. When they cannot get all the necessary information, they get stuck. Should this be your situation, please ask for help. Even a reasonably close tax filing that is later amended when more information becomes available is sometimes a better alternative than not filing at all.

"Tax Tips" are published to provide current tax information, tax-cutting suggestions, and tax reminders. If you would like more information on anything in "Tax Tips," or if you'd like to be on our mailing list to receive other tax information from time to time, please contact our office.
 
The tax information contained in this site is of a general nature and should not be acted upon in your specific situation without further details and/or professional assistance.
 
We are trusted CPA advisors servicing Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Willowbrook, Darien, Naperville, and all Chicagoland area. 

Do you need assistance with your business and/or personal tax returns? Would you like to have a trusted source for your accounting, allowing you additional time to focus on increasing your business? Do you use QuickBooks, or plan to in the future, for your accounting? We include these in all our service packages, customized to fit your personal or business needs.  
 
We are currently accepting new clients. Your initial consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Our experienced staff is available to help you streamline your accounting, giving you more free time for yourself. Set up an appointment today by calling (630) 320-3720 or email us at [email protected]. 
 
For more free resources, such as Tax Organizers, and Record Retention Schedules, access our website www.monarchaccountinggroup.com.

Mia Verc, CPA;  Janice Papais, CPA