Understanding Notifications After Income Tax Filing
Have you ever received a confusing message after filing your income tax return? Many taxpayers report receiving texts asking them to “file via mobile” or notifications about a 3.3% refund, causing unnecessary confusion. This article aims to clarify these notifications and provide a comprehensive understanding of the income tax refund process.
Why Am I Receiving a “Mobile Filing” Notification?
If you’ve already filed your income tax through the IRS and still receive a message to “file via mobile by June 2,” rest assured, this is merely an informational notice. The IRS sends out these messages automatically to everyone eligible for income tax filing, regardless of whether they have already filed or not.
Can I Ignore Automatic Notifications?
If you’ve completed your filing at the IRS and confirmed your refund amount, there is no need to file via mobile. However, if you’re uncertain whether your filing is complete, you can verify through the IRS’s online portal by checking the ‘Filing History’ section. If it shows as completed, you can relax and await your refund.
Matching Refund Amounts: A Good Sign
If the refund amount in the text matches what the IRS provided, it indicates that your filing information has been correctly processed in the IRS’s system. There is no need for additional filing, and your refund will be processed as planned. Simply wait for the refund schedule.
Understanding the 3.3% Refund Notification
During annual tax filings or income tax returns, you may notice a “3.3% refund” notification. This typically concerns freelancers, instructors, and miscellaneous earners subject to a 3.3% withholding tax rate. This amount is not a separate refund but is included in the total income tax refund calculation.
What is the 3.3% Withholding Tax?
The 3.3% withholding tax is a pre-deducted amount by the payer before income is disbursed. For example, if an instructor earns $1,000, $33 (3.3%) is withheld, and $967 is deposited. This $33 is already paid to the IRS. During income tax filing, this withheld tax is included in the total income to calculate the final tax liability. If the actual tax owed is less than the withheld amount, the difference is refunded.
Do I Need to Apply Separately for the 3.3% Refund?
Seeing a 3.3% refund amount on the IRS portal doesn’t require any additional application. This amount is part of the comprehensive income tax filing, and if you’ve already filed, it has been accounted for. There’s no need for separate submission or application.
When Will I Receive My Refund?
Income tax refunds are typically distributed starting mid-June. Payments may begin around June 15, but the exact date can vary based on your filing date. You can check the ‘Refund Payment Schedule’ on the IRS portal for an estimated deposit date.
What If I’m Still Worried?
If you’re concerned about whether your 3.3% income was properly filed or if your submission was correctly processed, consider consulting directly with the IRS. If a tax agent assisted you, they can also verify your filing status quickly. Ensuring that your filing is accurately recorded and understanding the refund components will provide peace of mind.
Conclusion
Once you’ve filed your income tax with the IRS, any notifications or messages from them are generally informational. There’s no need for re-filing, and refunds, including the 3.3% component, will be processed as per schedule. For any uncertainties, checking your filing status online or contacting the IRS is advisable. The tax filing period in May can be overwhelming for many, and such confusion is common. The key is to stay informed and understand the system comprehensively.