The 2023 Tax Season is officially underway. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has begun accepting returns for the 2022 tax year.
Most taxpayers aren’t concerned with how early they can file, but rather- the deadline. April 15 is commonly known as Tax Day. However, the 2023 deadline to file personal and small business taxes without an extension is April 18.
Similar to 2022, the April 15 filing deadline is affected again by the District of Columbia’s Emancipation Day holiday. April 15 also falls on a weekend. Thus, moving this year's deadline to Tuesday, April 18.
For those who opt for an extension, the tax deadline to file is Monday, October 16.
Dates to Remember for the 2023 Tax Season
| Beginning of IRS Free File Submissions | January 13, 2023 |
| Beginning of 2023 Tax Season | January 23, 2023 |
| Deadline for Individual Tax Returns | April 18, 2023 |
| Deadline for Individuals with Extension | October 16, 2023 |
During tax season, the volume of Certified Mail® increases greatly. Especially around various deadlines. Tax professionals send returns and their associated documents via Certified Mail to show that the items were mailed within the allotted timeframe.
Proof of mailing and proof of delivery are provided for the sender. If a taxpayer receives notice of late filing or insufficient submission, the proof that Certified Mail provides allows them to avoid penalties or potential incurred interest by said notice.
This is particularly important in recent years. The delays related to the COVID-19 pandemic caused quite a tax situation. In August 2022, the IRS reported a backlog of nearly 14.5 million unprocessed tax returns in their Publication 5456.
After several years of pandemic-affected tax seasons, the IRS has hired an additional 5,000 assessors to aid taxpayers as they file their taxes this year. Assessors will be accessible via phone and in-person staffed tax offices.
Common Tax Questions for 2023 Season
1. What are the tax brackets for 2023 tax season?
The percentage you pay in taxes is dependent on your annual income. Federal tax brackets cover a range of incomes that are subject to various income tax rates. Tax brackets are adjusted to account for inflation.
2022 Tax Rates as published by the IRS
| Single Filer | Married Couples, Joint Filing | |
| 37% | Over $539,900 | Over $647,850 |
| 35% | $215,951-$539,900 | $431,901-$647,850 |
| 32% | $170,051-$215,950 | $340,101-$431,900 |
| 24% | $89,076-$170,050 | $178,151-$340,100 |
| 22% | $41,776-$89,075 | $83,551-$178,150 |
| 12% | $10,275-$41,775 | $20,551-$83,550 |
| 10% | Less Than $10,275 | Less Than $20,5510 |
For additional information about tax inflation adjustments for the 2022 tax year, click here.
2. Will there be a child tax credit? How much is the CTC for 2023? Who qualifies for the child tax credit?
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) is a tax break for eligible individuals or families with qualifying dependence. The credit can be claimed for each child who is under the age of 17 with a valid social security number. Other qualifications include:
- Child residing with the filer more than 6 months of the year
- Being a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. resident alien
- Filer financially supporting half or greater of years expenses for child
Filers who meet all qualifications with an annual income of $200,000 individually, $400,000 jointly, are eligible for the entire $2,000 credit.
Continue reading for more tax credits and deductions that benefit taxpayers.
3. What causes processing delays for my return?
There are a list of factors that can cause delays when your tax return is being processed. Common delays include an incomplete or incorrect return, paper filing, or identity theft/fraud.
Tax Tips
- Prioritize expert recording keeping with Certified Mail. Remember the importance of proof of mailing and delivery when sending returns and tax forms/documents. Use Certified Mail Labels for all Certified Mail needs and save $2.75 on each letter sent.
- Avoid processing delays. The IRS encourages individuals to file complete returns. Submitting an accurate return avoids the need for additional amendments.
- Get the most out of your return when filing by claiming credits (Ex. Adoption Credit and Adoption Assistance Programs, Child Tax Credit, Child and Dependent Care Credit, Homeowners Credits, Earned Income Tax Credit, Education credits), and deductions (Ex. medical, business, and charity) when applicable. Click here, to learn more.
- Consider the IRS Free File Program. The Free File program allows taxpayers to e-file with guided preparation and filing tax software free of charge. Qualifying taxpayers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) less than $73,000 can use the Guided Tax Preparation option; while those with an AGI greater than $73,000 can utilize the Free File Fillable Forms option to file their tax return.
- The IRS estimates that tax refunds are issued within 21 days of electronically filed federal tax returns. Refunds for paper returns take more than 6 months to process. To check the filing status of your refund, click here.
About Certified Mail Labels
Preparing and filing taxes is stressful enough. Not to mention, a hassle that often comes with a hefty charge. Save yourself time and money this tax season and use Certified Mail Labels for all your Certified Mail needs.
Certified Mail Labels allows taxpayers and tax professionals to easily create USPS Certified Mail® labels, Priority Mail labels, and Express Mail labels with USPS Postage online from the comfort of their home or office. Save $2.75 on postage for each Certified Mail® green card receipt.
Certified Mail Labels requires no monthly fees, contracts, software, or special equipment.
Receive email notifications with proof of mailing, letter tracking, Electronic Delivery Confirmations, and Return Receipt Signatures. All of these are available 24/7 – 365 days a year at no additional charge.
The IRS suggests keeping your tax records for 3 to 7 years, depending on the nature of the return. Using bank-grade technology, our complimentary data archive offers safe and organized record-keeping for 10 years.
It’s time to skip the trip to the Post Office with Certified Mail Labels. Create your account now.
For accounting firms looking to expedite their mailings, consider our full-service, print and mail solution. Easily upload your PDF files from your computer or mobile device for same-business-day printing and mailing at the lowest price in the industry- guaranteed. Contact our customer support team to learn more about our full services solutions.
Additional Resources
How Certified Mail Labels Delivers A Stress-Free Tax Season
IRS Help Available for Taxpayer
