Tax season is upon us, and you probably have some questions about filing this year. We’ve got you covered.
We also asked about questions you had on ClickOnDetroit last week. Here are some of the most common tax questions we received and answers from the IRS.
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2022 Tax Season: Frequently asked questions and answers from the IRS
How do I tell the IRS my address changed?
If you filed a joint return and are still residing with the same spouse, both you and your spouse should provide your names, social security numbers, new address and signatures on the form or statement.
If you filed a joint return and you now have separate addresses, each of you should notify us of your new, separate addresses.
There are several ways to tell us your address has changed:
Tell them in person or by telephone. Please have ready your:
- full name
- new address
- old address
- date of birth
- Social Security number, ITIN or EIN
The IRS may request additional information to verify your identity.
IRS Forms: Use Form 8822, Change of Address or Form 8822-B, Change of Address or Responsible Party - Business
Tax return: Use your new address when you file
Is there an age limit on claiming my child as a dependent?
To claim your child as your dependent, your child must meet either the qualifying child test or the qualifying relative test:
- To meet the qualifying child test, your child must be younger than you and either younger than 19 years old or be a “student” younger than 24 years old as of the end of the calendar year.
- There’s no age limit if your child is “permanently and totally disabled” or meets the qualifying relative test.
In addition to meeting the qualifying child or qualifying relative test, you can claim that person as a dependent only if these three tests are met:
- Dependent taxpayer test
- Citizen or resident test, and
- Joint return test
Can I get a transcript or copy of Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statements from the IRS?
Yes, but an actual copy of your Form W-2 is only available if you submitted it with a paper tax return:
Transcript
- You can get a wage and income transcript, containing the Federal tax information your employer reported to the Social Security Administration (SSA), by visiting our Get Your Tax Record page. Refer to Transcript Types and Ways to Order Them and About the New Tax Transcript: FAQs for more information.
- You can also use Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return. Check the box for Form W-2, specify which tax year(s) you need, and mail or fax the completed form. Allow 10 business days from the IRS received date to receive the transcript.Note: Wage and income transcripts are available for up to 10 years but current tax year information may not be complete until July. This transcript doesn’t include any state or local tax information reported by your employer to SSA on Form W-2.
Copy
- If you e-filed your tax return or you didn’t attach your Form W-2 to your paper return, then use one of the transcript options above. Otherwise, you’ll need to contact your employer or SSA for a copy.
- The quickest way to obtain a copy of your current year Form W-2 is through your employer. Your employer first submits Form W-2 to SSA; after SSA processes it, they transmit the federal tax information to the IRS.
- If you can’t get your Form W-2 from your employer and you previously attached it to your paper tax return, you can order a copy of the entire return from the IRS for a fee. Complete and mail Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return along with the required fee. Allow 75 calendar days for us to process your request. We will waive the fee for taxpayers impacted by a federally declared disaster or a significant fire. (For more information, see Publication 2194, Disaster Resource Guide for Individuals and Businesses PDF.)
How do I get my original AGI if I can’t locate my prior year return?
If you can’t locate your prior year tax return, go to our IRS - Obtain Copy of Tax Return FAQ.
What documents do I need if I have a mortgage?
Your mortgage company should send you Form 1098 which reports the mortgage interest you paid.
What documents do I need if I am self-employed?
You will need to file a Schedule C using IRS Form 1040. Depending on your type of business and where you conduct business, there may be other forms you will need. You may also need to make quarterly estimated payments by filing Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals.
Can my spouse and I file our tax return together if we are legally separated and not divorced?
If your divorce is not final, you may choose to file married filing jointly. Just note, that you and your spouse are responsible for the tax bill and any future audits.