The IRS has once again extended the tax filing and payment deadlines in most parts of California due to destruction caused by landslides, mudslides, and severe storms. Now those Californians have until October 16th to file, as opposed to the previously announced May 15th date.

The IRS has extended the fourth quarter 2022 estimated tax payment deadline to October 16th. The 2023 estimated tax payments due on April 18th, June 15th, and September 15th, as well as the quarterly payroll and excise tax returns due on January 31st, April 30th, and July 31st, have also been delayed until October 16th. No contact or extension paperwork is necessary to take advantage of the extended time. If taxpayers receive penalty notifications within the postponed period, they should contact the number provided for the penalty to be waived.

There can be uncertainty around the timeline for receiving IRS tax refunds. Here are a few common questions related to these myths, along with real-world answers.

Q: Can I get a more accurate refund date by calling the IRS or my tax return preparer?

A: No. The IRS Where’s My Refund online portal (link below) and the IRS2Go app provide the most accurate information available on the timeline for your tax refund.

Q: Can I find out my refund date by ordering a tax transcript from the IRS?

A: This popular myth is false. Use the Where’s My Refund portal or IRS2Go app to get an estimated date for your refund.

Q: The Where’s My Refund Portal or IRS2Go app does not show a refund deposit or mailing date. Does this mean that the system is not working?

A: Generally, if these sources cannot provide a refund date, it just means that the IRS has not finished processing your return. While the IRS issues most refunds within 21 days for electronically filed returns, processing can take longer for a variety of reasons.

Q: What does it mean if Where’s My Refund shows a different refund amount than I expected?

A: Most likely, the IRS had to make an adjustment to your return. You will receive an official IRS or U.S. Treasury letter explaining any change to your refund amount.

Q: If I get a 2021 tax refund, does that mean my withholding amounts are correct for 2022?

A: Not necessarily. Regardless of your refund amount, it is always good to check the IRS Withholding Estimator Tool (link below) periodically to make sure you are staying on track.

IRS Where’s My Refund portal: https://www.irs.gov/refunds
IRS Withholding Estimator tool: https://apps.irs.gov/app/tax-withholding-estimator