Your 2025 Tax Questions Answered!

Are you feeling overwhelmed or confused about the tax filing process? You’re not alone! But don’t worry, there’s good news. Our volunteers are ready with plenty of resources to help you navigate the process and maybe even increase your refund. In this guide, we’ll be answering some of the most asked questions about United Way Bay Area – Free Tax Help preparation services and, of course – tax credits.

So, let’s get started maximizing your refund!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is it too late to claim the stimulus?

Unfortunately, the deadline to claim federal stimulus 1 and 2 from 2020 already passed (the deadline was May 2024). But it’s not too late to claim the federal stimulus #3 from 2021. File a 2021 tax return to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit to do so, if you haven’t done so already! An in-person tax site or our remote team at GetYourRefund.org/BayArea can help you with that. (The self-filing options don’t allow one to file a prior year return.)

Q: What should I bring to an in-person tax site?

Take a look here for a  list of what to bring!

Q: What if I can’t get an appointment at an in-person tax site or the queue is long at a walk-in site?

It might be worth trying the other free filing options listed at uwba.org/taxhelp. Self-filing using IRS Direct File, preparing your own tax return using UWBA’s TaxSlayer, and getting your return prepared by a remote tax team using GetYourRefund.org/BayArea are all alternative options to in-person assistance!

Q: Am I eligible to use the new IRS Direct File?

Take a look at this table comparing the two self-filing options we recommend. We definitely recommend using IRS Direct File if you’re eligible this year! If you’re not eligible, you can use UWBA’s TaxSlayer!

Q: What if I’m missing my W2?

To access copies of your W2:

• Contact your previous employers and ask them to send you your W2s. This is the best option!
• If you’re filing a tax return for a prior year, you can view your tax records including transcripts of past tax returns and wage statements from the IRS.

If you’re not able to get it from a past employer, you can call the IRS to request an UNMASKED W2 transcript (which means the full Employer Identification Number or EIN will be visible on the copy).

Q: I haven’t received my IP PIN letter. What can I do?

You can retrieve or generate your IP PIN via the IRS site here. To do so, click the “Get an IP PIN” button on the page.

Q: My refund is lower than last year. Why?

You’ll want to compare your tax return from last year and your tax return from this year side-by-side. If you bring your tax return to your tax site, your tax team can point out where the differences are. Many of the expansions during the pandemic to tax credits like the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, Child and Dependent Care Credit were temporary and reverted back to prior tax law for all tax returns beyond 2022.

Q: When is the due date for the 2024 tax return?

Most taxpayers across the country generally have until April 15, 2025 to file their 2024 return. California wildfire victims in Los Angeles County specifically automatically now have until Oct 15, 2024 to file their individual tax returns and make tax payments. The IRS is offering relief to any area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). See IRS news for more details. The CA Franchise Tax Board also announced it will be aligning with the IRS on this extended deadline.

Q: How do I know if I’m eligible for a specific tax credit?

You can have one of our tax sites prepare and e-file your tax return for you! Find a tax site near you.

Q: What is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)?

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a tax credit that may give you money back at tax time or lower the federal taxes you owe. You can claim the credit whether you’re single or married, or have children or not. The main requirement is that you must earn money from a job. For tax year 2024, the maximum amount of Federal EITC goes all the way up to $7,830 for a household with 3 or more qualifying children.

The State of California also has its own EITC, called CalEITC. For tax year 2024, the CalEITC is worth up to $3,644.

The Federal and State credits can eliminate any tax you owe at tax time. If the EITC amount is more than what you owe in taxes, you get the money back in your tax refund. If you qualify for the credit, you can still receive a refund even if you do not owe income tax.

Q: I filed my taxes but still haven’t received my federal refund yet. What can I do?

Use the IRS Where’s My Refund (https://www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund) webpage to check the status of your federal refund. To check, you will need your social security number or ITIN, your filing status (example: single, married filing jointly, etc.), and your exact refund amount — the amount of money that your tax preparer or tax software told you to expect.

Q: How can I get copies of my tax returns from previous years?

If you are looking for a past federal tax return, you can obtain prior year tax return transcripts on the IRS Get Transcript webpage (https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript).

As for CA state return, you may be able to obtain a copy from the CA Franchise Tax Board. See details State of California Franchise Tax Board site (https://www.ftb.ca.gov/help/how-do-I-get-a-copy-of-my-state-tax-return.html).