The period to file taxes ranges from January 15 to April 15. The date can vary according to the federal government.

You must use form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. This form is used to report income, credit and deductions of the tax year.

• Receiving tax refunds:
  The benefit of paying taxes is the fact that you can receive refunds. Note that the IRS issues most of the refunds in less than 21 days and the fastest way to receive your money is by using a debit card.
• Having a reliable record:
  Paying taxes is one of the best ways to identify yourself as a rule-abiding citizen. This is because it serves as a clear record of the years you’ve lived in this country.
• Getting credits on your tax returns:
  The U.S. government created a system of credits and deductions that allow you to reduce the amount of taxes you pay. Thanks to these credits and discounts you can even get a higher tax refund.
• Having access to government benefits:
  If you are legally enrolled in the IRS Taxpayer Registry and need financial aid, you can request government benefits such as medical, food, rent and more.
• Deduction on your health insurance:
  There are laws that give credits on insurance premiums to those who meet their tax liabilities on time.

• Forms issued by the employer, where income and withholdings are registered and filed during the tax year.
• Taxpayers working on payroll will be provided with form W-2, reflecting gross income, federal withholding, social security and Medicare benefits discount, as well as deductions for the State Disability Insurance or 401(K) Retirement Plan.

• Immediate or adopted children, younger than 19 years old. If more than 19 years old, the dependent must have attended school full-time.
• Relatives such as grandchildren, parents, nephews, nieces and siblings. They must demonstrate they cover 50% of the cost of living.

This can occur for many reasons. If you have a social security number, this can occur for the following reasons:

• The tax return has not yet been processed. This depends on how it was sent: if it is sent via regular mail, it can last up to 11 weeks.
• The tax return is still under review. In case of an audit, the refund process will be delayed.
• You owe the IRS.

The abovementioned reasons apply if you are a holder of a valid or expired ITIN. If expired, renew it to get your refund.

If you get a tax debt letter, you must verify if it comes from a government entity, verify the deadline and answer as soon as possible because debts with the IRS accrue penalties and interests if failure to pay.

These are the options to pay down the debts with the government:

• Payment Plan: This is to pay debts in monthly installments, according to your economy. We will try to offer the least possible amount.
• Offer in Compromise: An offer is sent to the IRS, together with the supporting documents that demonstrate your current situation in order to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount you owe.
• Currently Not Collectible Status: If you are in financial hardship, any collection by the IRS will be temporarily delayed.
• Penalty Abatement: Abate penalties added by the IRS to reduce the liability owed.

The Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service to file and pay federal and state taxes. It also allows applying for credits, incorporating businesses, etc.

If you are not eligible for a Social Security Number, you can apply for an ITIN. Requisites are described below:

• To have been in the country within the tax year.
• To have at least TWO of the following valid documents:
  • Passport
  • Civil birth certificate
  • Driver’s license (U.S. or Foreign)
  • Foreign identification card
  • Foreign voter’s registration card
  • Visa
  • Foreign military identification card
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) photo identification
  • Medical records (dependents only – under 6)
  • School records (dependents only – under 14, under 18 if a student)
• Submit tax returns

Copies of tax forms sent to the IRS can be requested via phone call, regular mail or online account from the IRS website.

An amendment through form 1040-X can be done to correct or update a tax return already processed by the IRS or State.