San Diego, California. – As tax time approaches, many California taxpayers are asking: Do I owe taxes on the state’s middle-class refund?
what you should Know
- The deadline for your 2022 taxes is April 18
- You Can Skip Hiring a Tax Professional
- California’s middle class tax refunds will not be taxed by the state; IRS not sure about federal taxes
Most people living in California got their refund in 2022, but for some that direct deposit or debit card didn’t arrive until this year. Anyone receiving on or after January 1 will not need to worry about tax issues until the following year.
Also known as the “gas tax rebate” and “inflation relief payment”, the middle class tax refund was issued to approximately 12.5 million Californians. If you file a state tax return in 2020 and still live in California, you could receive between $200 and $1,050, depending on your income and filing status.
State officials said last year they would not tax the payments. TELEMUNDO 20 asked the IRS whether the federal government will tax windfall gains, but unfortunately, no decision has been made yet. Instead, the IRS urges taxpayers to wait for further clarification.
The IRS is aware of questions about excise tax refunds or payments made by states in 2022; We are working with state tax authorities as soon as possible to provide additional information and clarity to taxpayers. There are a variety of state programs that deliver these payments in 2022, and the rules surrounding them are complex. We look forward to providing additional clarity to more states and taxpayers over the next week.
For taxpayers who are unsure about the taxability of their state payments, the IRS recommends that they wait until additional guidance is available or consult a reputable tax professional. For taxpayers and tax preparers with questions, the best course of action is to call the IRS rather than wait for further clarification on state payments. We also do not recommend amending 2022 returns that have already been filed.
In fact, if the IRS considers MCTR to be taxable, Californians who receive a refund of $600 or more will be issued a state 1099-MISC form.
However, if you were one of the Californians receiving the money in 2023, you don’t need to wait. That money will not have to be reported until next year’s return is filed.
State leaders set aside $17 billion to pay for the program for California taxpayers.
Tips for Tax Return 2023
There are several ways to file your taxes. There are free programs online, paid software, and even tax professionals. But how do you know which one is best for you?
Generally, the more complex your return, the better off you’ll be with a tax professional. Filing your taxes can take a long time, so make sure you don’t rush to file and collect all your documents.
The Internal Revenue Service estimates that the average self-filer takes approximately eight hours to prepare their return. And that’s just for the average filer with minimal forms.
If this describes you, filing your return with the help of an online program or tax software may be your best option.
But when should you hire a professional? If you’re self-employed, a professional can help you make sure you’re deducting everything and keep track of your projected expenses for the coming year.
If there is a major event in your life, such as an interstate move, marriage or divorce, or even if your family grows with your first child, having a professional will prevent you from losing any deductions or credits. can be avoided.
If you own rental property or have foreign investments, these forms can be tricky when you’re trying to claim damages or trying to make sure you’re following the rules. . Just make sure the person you’re going to has a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).
If your income is less than $72,000, you can file your return for free through the IRS Free File Program. This means there is no fee for filing your federal tax return.
