Here are key tax filing deadlines for California — including an extension for some residents

Tax season is here and with a little preparation and a lot of deep breaths, you can get ahead of the curve.

The Internal Revenue Service began accepting and processing 2022 tax returns Monday. The agency, according to its website, is anticipating more than 168 million returns — so it’s important to brush up on the key facts before you file.

Taxpayers have an extra three days to file this year because the typical April 15 deadline falls on a weekend and is shortly followed by the Washington D.C.’s Emancipation Day. Californians living in certain counties hit hard by the hazardous storms in January are given an even longer extension, plus tax relief opportunities.

Californians within 51 of the 58 counties affected by the winter storms will have until Oct. 16 to file their state and federal taxes.

Here’s what you need to know about important 2023 tax season deadlines including California extensions, when to expect your refund and tips for those who are still waiting on previous tax returns.

Tax season 2023 deadlines

The deadline to file a 2022 tax return is April 18. If you can’t file by then, be sure to request an extension and pay taxes owed by the April due date.

Those who request an extension on their 2022 tax return will have until Oct. 16 to file.

POSTPONED TAX DEADLINES FOR SOME CALIFORNIANS

The Internal Service Revenue extended its deadline for certain Californians to Oct. 16 due to winter storms. Both individuals and businesses in counties affected by the disastrous wind, rain and flooding will have until then to file tax returns and make tax payments.

The extension includes the following, according to the IRS:

• Individuals whose tax returns and payments are due on April 18, 2023

• Quarterly estimated tax payments due January 17, 2023, and April 18, 2023

• Business entities whose tax returns and payments are due on March 15, 2023 and April 18, 2023

• Farmers who normally file returns by March 1, 2023

When will I receive my tax refund?

You could get your tax refund within 21 days, according to the Internal Revenue Service’s website, if you do the following:

1. Electronically file your 2022 tax return
2. Request to receive your refund in a direct deposit
3. File your 2022 tax return with no errors or issues

Remember: The IRS cannot issue refunds that include an earned income tax credit or an additional child tax credit until mid-February.

Check the status of your refund 24 hours after electronically filing with your social security number, filing status and refund amount on your 2022 tax return.

Taxpayers who file a paper return should wait at least six months before checking their refund status.

Should I file my 2023 taxes if I’m waiting on previous tax returns?

Taxpayers should file their 2022 tax return even if they’re waiting on previous returns.

Both error-free paper and electronic tax returns turned into the IRS before November have been processed, according to the IRS, but there’s still work to be done.

“This work will not impact tax refund timing for people filing in 2023,” the IRS wrote on its website “but the IRS continues to urge people to make sure they submit an error-free tax return this tax season to avoid delays.

Information on the status of tax returns filed in 2022 is on the IRS’ website.

This story was originally published January 23, 2023 at 12:56 PM.