How to get my taxes in order?
March 30, 2024 1:56 PM Subscribe
I'm trying to get current with my finances and I'm wondering if I can do this on my own. Covid was weird and I let some things slide but I'm trying get it all figured out now.
Specifically I need to file taxes for 2022 and I also have some old uncashed government checks that would be nice to cash if possible. See below for details.
Note that I live in California.
1) Didn't file a return in 2022. I have found my W2s from that year.
For Federal taxes is it as simple as printing out the 2022 1040 and filling out out and sending it in?
What about for California taxes?
2) I have an expired refund check from the IRS from 2019 and also a letter from the IRS saying to call them to get a new check. I tried calling a LOT but was never able to get anyone on the line and eventually gave up. Is there a better way to pursue this?
3) I also have an uncashed Golden State stimulus check from 2021. It doesn't have any expiration date listed. Should I try to cash it and see what happens or try to have the check re-issued or am I out of luck on this.
I did try to answer these questions with google but couldn't really find any clear answers so thank you for your help!
Note that I live in California.
1) Didn't file a return in 2022. I have found my W2s from that year.
For Federal taxes is it as simple as printing out the 2022 1040 and filling out out and sending it in?
What about for California taxes?
2) I have an expired refund check from the IRS from 2019 and also a letter from the IRS saying to call them to get a new check. I tried calling a LOT but was never able to get anyone on the line and eventually gave up. Is there a better way to pursue this?
3) I also have an uncashed Golden State stimulus check from 2021. It doesn't have any expiration date listed. Should I try to cash it and see what happens or try to have the check re-issued or am I out of luck on this.
I did try to answer these questions with google but couldn't really find any clear answers so thank you for your help!
Do all those things upthread.
But consider getting a CPA to deal with this. They know what needs to be done to rectify your situation. If they clean it up, you can go back to doing your own taxes, but you have to do it.
I always did our taxes, and that went OK, until I got a CPA involved. Many things I did wrong or was not aware of.
posted by Windopaene at 2:52 PM on March 30
But consider getting a CPA to deal with this. They know what needs to be done to rectify your situation. If they clean it up, you can go back to doing your own taxes, but you have to do it.
I always did our taxes, and that went OK, until I got a CPA involved. Many things I did wrong or was not aware of.
posted by Windopaene at 2:52 PM on March 30
People file wildly late all the time, so no shame. Just file, if you owe, you'll pay penalties. checks - call or write the IRS, state tax office, ask that they be re-issued. I don't think you need help with filing the return and getting the checks reissued. I used a CPA when I had a business and employees. Now I use freetaxusa.com/, which sounds so cheesy, but is easy and straightforward.
posted by theora55 at 3:06 PM on March 30
posted by theora55 at 3:06 PM on March 30
One year of no filing isn't really something that needs to be cleaned up. You can file by yourself if you feel okay doing it and yes filing paper works. If you normally use software or a website, most o them can also do a previous year
It is probably the worst time of year to try to reach the IRS by phone. Try again in May? In my state, the stimulus checks they mailed out in 2023 already expired and they are resending them. In fact they're on the second round of resends. If your doesn't have an expiration date, it might be okay, but what does your bank do with returned checks? If they charge fees for that, I'd call the state and ask before trying to cash a 3 year old check.
posted by soelo at 4:18 PM on March 30 [1 favorite]
It is probably the worst time of year to try to reach the IRS by phone. Try again in May? In my state, the stimulus checks they mailed out in 2023 already expired and they are resending them. In fact they're on the second round of resends. If your doesn't have an expiration date, it might be okay, but what does your bank do with returned checks? If they charge fees for that, I'd call the state and ask before trying to cash a 3 year old check.
posted by soelo at 4:18 PM on March 30 [1 favorite]
If it helps, "Check out a local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. The IRS will have special Saturday openings on April 13 ... Not every state will have availability, so check for your area" at IRS face-to-face Saturday help. ("IRS has $1 billion in 2020 tax refunds — window to claim a refund owed you for the 2020 tax year closes May 17" WaPo March 27 article) (archived link)
posted by Iris Gambol at 12:11 PM on March 31
posted by Iris Gambol at 12:11 PM on March 31
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Yup.
What about for California taxes?
Same.
2) I have an expired refund check from the IRS from 2019 and also a letter from the IRS saying to call them to get a new check. I tried calling a LOT but was never able to get anyone on the line and eventually gave up. Is there a better way to pursue this?
Walk into an IRS office and ask in person.
3) I also have an uncashed Golden State stimulus check from 2021. It doesn't have any expiration date listed. Should I try to cash it and see what happens or try to have the check re-issued or am I out of luck on this.
Try to cash it. If you can't, try to have it re-issued.
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 2:46 PM on March 30 [1 favorite]