Filing Season Resources

Tax laws and completing tax returns in certain circumstances can be complicated. Here are some resources should you need or want help:

• Video TAS Tax Tip: Choosing the right tax return preparer for you
• If you cannot afford the services of a Tax Professional, you may qualify to use the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs
  • The IRS also offers free tax help to members of the military and their families through the VITA program.

Inaccurate or misleading information is easily shared on social media, and that includes posts about what you can or cannot claim on your tax return.

For more information about what to watch out for on social media, visit our Protecting Yourself From Social Media Scams and Identity Theft get Help Page.

This tax season, there are many dubious social media posts out there, so please beware. One example includes enticing posts targeting pet owners that claim that the IRS is allowing deductions on tax returns for pets. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Can I write off my pet as a tax deduction?

Generally no, you cannot write your pet off as a tax deduction. There are specific criteria that the IRS uses to determine whether or not your pet can qualify as a tax deduction. Simply being an emotional support animal is not enough; they must be specially trained to help you cope with a physical condition.

Generally, the IRS is looking for:

• Dogs who guide those with blindness/low vision;
• Those who are deaf or hard of hearing;
• Those that pull a wheelchair;
• Dogs that can carry and pick up things for people with a mobility impairment;
• A seizure alert dog;
• Calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; or
• The IRS also classifies dogs exclusively as service animals, meaning there is nothing else that can be claimed as a deduction.

If you have more questions about this, talk to a qualified tax professional. You can find a list of credentialed preparers here.

Important Information About Tax Refunds

The IRS advises that most taxpayers will receive their refunds within 21 days if:

• They file electronically;
• They chose direct deposit for their refund; and
• There are no issues with their tax return.

However, the IRS cannot issue a refund that includes the EITC or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before mid-February. This includes the entire refund, not just the part that’s related to the EITC or ACTC claimed on the tax return. This is due to the 2015 PATH Act, a law which requires the IRS to hold those refunds to give the IRS time to validate them and protect against identity theft and refund fraud.

If you are claiming EITC and ACTC and filing their returns early, the IRS anticipates most EITC/ACTC-related refunds will be available by March 3 if you:

• Chose direct deposit for your refund; and
• There are no other issues with your tax return.

The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers and protects taxpayers’ rights. We can offer you help if your tax problem is causing a financial difficulty, you’ve tried and been unable to resolve your issue with the IRS, or you believe an IRS system, process, or procedure just isn’t working as it should. If you qualify for our assistance, which is always free, we will do everything possible to help you.

Visit www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov or call 1-877-777-4778.

Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) are independent from the IRS and TAS. LITCs represent individuals whose income is below a certain level and who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS. LITCs can represent taxpayers in audits, appeals, and tax collection disputes before the IRS and in court. In addition, LITCs can provide information about taxpayer rights and responsibilities in different languages for individuals who speak English as a second language. Services are offered for free or a small fee. For more information or to find an LITC near you, see the LITC page on the TAS website or Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List.