Resources: Recent updates
The Tax Deadline Has Passed, Now What?
For Filers
If you filed your taxes for the 2021 tax year, you should generally expect your federal refund within 21 calendar days, and California state refund within three weeks for e-filers or within three months for paper filers. However, this could be longer if there is incomplete information, errors, identity theft, and/or other issues that require additional processing time.
Getting your refund:
To check the status of your federal refund, click here.
To check the status of your California state refund, click here.
For more answers to frequently asked questions regarding federal refunds, click here.
If there was an error in regard to where the federal refund payment should be made to, click here.
Fixing a Mistake on Your Return:
If you need to correct an error on your tax return:
Payment Plans:
If you have a large tax payment and are unable to pay it all at once, you have the ability to apply for a payment plan. First, you’ll need to see if you qualify, then you’ll need to apply directly with the IRS or Franchise Tax Board.
To apply for a payment plan with the IRS (federal taxes) click here.
To apply for a payment with the Franchise Tax Board (California) click here.
I self-filed through your free software. How do I get a copy of my return?
If the return was filed and accepted, log into the account and click on the tax year you wish to view under the Prior Year Returns heading. Click on Access Return > Continue. Select View/Print return to print, view or save a copy of the accepted return.
If the return was not e-filed or was rejected, log into the account and click on the tax year you wish to view under the Prior Year Returns heading. Select Fix Return > Continue. Continue to the Summary/Print screen to print a copy of the current information in the account.
Another option is to get a transcript of your prior year return though the IRS. You can obtain a copy of your transcripts directly through the IRS here.
Going back and filing prior years:
You have four years to claim credits like the California Earned Income Tax Credit and Young Child Tax Credit, and three years to claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit. If you didn’t file a previous return and want to file for free, you have a couple options.
File virtually with a VITA volunteer through Get Your Refund.
Unfortunately, online self filing for past years is not available for free.
For Non-filers
If you missed the tax deadline, there is still an opportunity to file and claim credits you may be eligible for.
- Filing late does not affect eligibility for tax credits. You have four years to go back and claim the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) and Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) and three years to claim the federal Earned income Tax Credit (EITC).
- Filing past the April 18th deadline
- To file for the current tax year, go to MyFreeTaxes.org.
- To file and/or claim previous tax year credits, file online with help or in-person by going to MyFreeTaxes.org.
If you do not owe any taxes and did not file by April 18, you do not have to worry about fines or penalties. However, even if you are not required to file, if you qualify for credits such as the CalEITC or Child Tax Credit you need to file in order to access these cash-back credits that would put additional money back into your pocket.
If you do owe taxes and did not file by April 18, please keep in mind that you will need to file an extension. Fees will accrue right after the tax deadline, even with an extension. To file an extension, click here.
If you need help figuring out if you need to file, click here.