Note: All tax deadlines contained in this article are set forth by the IRS. In the event of any changes to the IRS tax filing deadlines, we’ll update the below information as soon as possible.
Whether you’re a first-time tax filer or an old hand, tax season can feel overwhelming when you’re getting hit with forms, due dates and tax jargon left and right. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help make the tax preparation process a little less intimidating and confusing, especially if you’re taking the DIY route on your personal return this year. If you’re getting an assist from a tax professional, you should be in good hands, as the pros know the drill well.
So what’s in this guide?
Scintillating topics like the federal income tax brackets, tax deductions versus credits, audits and more. Don’t worry, we explain everything in plain English to help you get a better understanding of your taxes.
Let’s dive in!
Tax season can be a stressful time.
Below are some key federal tax dates to keep in mind for 2023. We put these deadlines up top so that you can plan accordingly and avoid any surprises. Starting your taxes early can save you from the stress of having to scramble at the last minute and the risk of having to pay penalties for missing deadlines.
Estimated tax payments for the 2023 tax year are typically due quarterly on the following dates: April 18, 2023; June 15, 2023; September 15, 2023; January 15, 2024.
Note: Generally, estimated tax payments are required for individuals who do not pay income taxes for the year through withholding — for example, those who are self-employed or earn income that isn’t from an employer (e.g., investments, alimony, etc.). Consult the IRS for more details on who has to pay estimated taxes.
For more due dates for other specific forms, payments and requirements, see IRS Publication 509 (General Tax Calendar)
Keep in mind that tax deadlines are always subject to change, and the IRS is the official source for the most up-to-date information.
Estimated tax payments for the 2023 tax year are typically due quarterly on the following dates: April 18, 2023, June 15, 2023, September 15, 2023, January 15, 2024.
Note: Generally, estimated tax payments are required for individuals who do not pay income taxes for the year through withholding — for example, those who are self-employed or earn income that isn’t from an employer (e.g., investments, alimony, etc.). Consult the IRS for more details on who has to pay estimated taxes.
For more due dates for other specific forms, payments and requirements, see IRS Publication 509 (Tax Calendars)
Keep in mind that tax deadlines are always subject to change, and the IRS is the official source for the most up-to-date information.
During tax season, you’ll likely hear terms like “tax brackets,” “deductions” and “credits.” And it’s because all three affect your tax liability – in other words, the amount of taxes you owe to the federal government in a given tax year.
At some point in your life, you might be asked which tax bracket you’re in. Your tax bracket, also known as your “marginal tax rate,” is based on your income and filing status (e.g., single, married filing jointly, etc.). It helps to determine the amount of taxes you owe each year.
There are seven federal tax brackets, or rates, 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, 37%. The amount of your tax bill is calculated, in part, by applying these rates to your annual taxable income.
US federal tax rates are progressive. That means the higher your taxable income, the higher your tax rates will be.
To figure out which bracket you’re in, consult the IRS federal income tax table.
For example, a single filer with a taxable income of $32,000 in 2022 is in the 12% bracket.
But just because a taxpayer falls into the 12% bracket doesn’t mean that their entire taxable income is taxed at 12%. This is a common misunderstanding. Many people don’t realize that different portions of your taxable income are taxed at different rates based on the federal tax bracket table.
Heads up, we’re about to do some math.
So sticking with the example of a single filer with $32,000 in taxable income. For the 2022 tax year, the first $11,000 of that taxable income would be taxed at 10%. The remaining $21,000 ($32,000 - $11,000) would be taxed at 12%.
Many people don’t realize that different portions of your taxable income are taxed at different rates based on the federal tax bracket table.
See, that wasn’t so bad.
Good to know: The IRS typically adjusts the federal tax brackets each year for inflation. See our 2022-2023 Federal Tax Brackets comparison table.
Now that you understand how taxable income can affect your tax rates, you might be wondering if there are ways to lower your taxable income and your overall tax bill.
This is where tax deductions and credits come into play. Since they could both help reduce the amount of taxes you pay, it can be easy to mix up the two. But a deduction and credit work differently to lower your tax bill.
A tax deduction could lower your overall tax bill by reducing your taxable income. You may already be familiar with the standard deduction. That’s because when you’re doing your personal taxes, you need to decide between taking the standard deduction or itemizing your deductions.
Other common deductions include the charitable contribution deduction, IRA contribution deduction, and mortgage interest deduction.
A tax credit, on the other hand, directly lowers your tax bill, dollar-for-dollar. So if you’re eligible to claim a $500 credit on your tax return and you owe $1,500 in taxes, that credit could reduce your tax bill to $1,000 ($1,500 - $500).
Bear in mind that the full list of available deductions and credits is long. And their amounts vary across the board. It’s unlikely that you’re going to be eligible for every deduction and credit that’s out there – they typically come with specific qualification rules.
So it’s a good idea to confirm eligibility details with the IRS or a tax professional before going on a deduction/credit-hunting spree on your tax return.
Learn more: What Is the Standard Deduction? and Tax Deductions vs. Tax Credits
With some of the most important tax terms and concepts nailed down, don’t you already feel a little bit better and maybe even energized about doing your taxes this year?
No? Fair enough, because you still have to go through the paperwork, assemble your documents and actually fill out the necessary tax forms. We admit that this is no fun at all. But you don’t have to tackle it all in one sitting if you start ahead of time.
If your taxes are complex or if your organization system is nothing more than receipts and statements crammed into a shoebox (no matter how fancy), you may want to budget a little extra time. For reference, you may also want to bookmark this IRS tax information webpage for individuals filing a return.
Regardless of your situation, tax preparation generally involves four key steps:
Learn more about each of these steps: Your Tax Return in Four Steps
If you’re getting a refund this year, hooray! Because not everyone gets a refund from the government.
Sure, you could buy yourself something nice with that extra cash. But how about really treating yourself (and future self) by putting that money away in your savings or retirement accounts? We have some ideas on how to put that money to work:
Learn more: 5 Things You Can Do With Your Tax Refund
The IRS usually issues refunds in less than 21 days. But remember: The refund process could take longer for a number of reasons – for instance, if the return was incomplete or contained significant errors.
If you’re hankering for a status update though, you can use the IRS refund tracker. To use the tool, you need your Social Security number (or individual taxpayer identification number), filing status and exact refund amount.
While you’re waiting for your refund, it’s a good time to reorganize the tax documents and forms you’ve used for the tax season. We joked about the shoebox filing system earlier, but if this is you, there’s no time like the present to start a new organization system.
No matter which organization method you use, the goal is to be able to find the documents you need quickly and easily. This is in case you ever need to:
Another important thing to keep in mind is to store your records in a safe and secure place.
Learn more: Done with Taxes? What to Keep for Your Records
As you’re putting your tax documents away, you might realize you made a mistake on your return. Don’t panic.
Generally, if you need to go back and claim a credit or refund, you have up to three years from the original filing date to make any necessary corrections by submitting an amended tax return. US tax laws are complicated, so mistakes can totally happen (and they do!). So don’t beat yourself over it.
First, use the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant tool to see if you even need to file an amendment. That’s because if it’s a simple math error, you probably won’t need to file an amended return. The IRS usually corrects minor mathematical and clerical errors for you.
That said, here are some common reasons why you may need to file an amended return: Changes or corrections to your filing status , income, credits, deductions or number of dependents. If you do need to file an amended return, fill out and submit IRS Form 1040X.
Learn more: How to Amend a Federal Tax Return
IRS audits are the bogeymen of tax season. The dread is understandable given how audits are typically depicted in popular culture. Take a deep breath. Here are the most important things you need to know about audits:
Learn more: IRS Audits: What You Need to Know
Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of our article. Hopefully at this point, tax talk no longer sounds like a foreign language. Our goal is to equip you with some basic tax knowledge, so that you can get your bearings and start the tax season with confidence.
Bear in mind that taxes are complicated, and tax laws are always subject to change. Your best source of information on the latest tax rules is the IRS or a certified tax professional.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized professional tax advice. Individuals should consult their own tax advisor for matters specific to their own taxes. This article was prepared by and approved by Marcus by Goldman Sachs, but does not reflect the institutional opinions of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC or any of their affiliates, subsidiaries or divisions. Goldman Sachs Bank USA and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC are not providing any financial, economic, legal, accounting, tax or other recommendations in this article. Information and opinions expressed in this article are as of the date of this material only and subject to change without notice. Information contained in this article does not constitute the provision of investment advice by Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC or any of their affiliates. Neither Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC nor any of their affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements of any information contained in this document and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed.
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