Dear friend, It’s tax season! I want to share some resources and information to help you with tax filing this year to make the process as easy as possible. This year’s tax deadline is April 15th to pay any taxes owed, file returns, or request a filing extension. While this seems like a while away, I encourage you all to begin the process if you haven’t done so already. Check out some tips and resources to help this tax season. Tips for Tax SeasonHiring Tax Professionals. Tax professionals handle your sensitive documents and information, so you have to go with someone you trust. The IRS can help taxpayers find credible and experienced professional through the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications, it includes a list of tax preparers who are recognized by the IRS or who hold an Annual Filing Season Program Record of Completion.Tax refunds. The quickest way to get a tax refund is through direct deposit. According to the IRS, nine out of 10 refunds are sent out in 10 days!Tracking tax returns. Taxpayers can check the status of their tax returns though Where’s My Refund on IRS.gov or the IRS app. Resources for Tax SeasonFree Tax Filing Assistance. For those who qualify, the IRS offers Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs to help those with filing their taxes. Find locations in Wisconsin’s Fourth Congressional District here.For taxpayers whose gross income is $79,000 or lower, you can file your taxes for free using IRS Free File Software. There are also free resources to help those with gross incomes greater than $79,000.Free Online IRS Help. There is more assistance for those who need to call the IRS with questions. The IRS’s website has a tool that allows you to type in questions or phrases and receive information in return. This page can help answer questions regarding credits, deductions, and more to help you file correctly according to your personal situation. You can also visit the IRS’s free help page to receive guidance. If you are low-income and need help addressing a tax dispute and can’t afford representation, there’s a low-income taxpayer clinic in Milwaukee that could assistance you if you qualify. Learn more here. The Local Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) can also help taxpayers solve tax problems with the IRS. New Law to Support Energy Efficiency The Inflation Reduction Act made historic investments in clean energy and includes incentives that you could qualify for if you made certain energy efficient home upgrades. This tax season, there are tax credits that could make many of these energy efficient home improvements more affordable. These enhancements could include heat pumps, water heaters, and efficient air conditioners. These home appliances and other improvements can lower your energy bills and save you money. Receiving a home energy audit can you you the information you need to save on energy costs, so you know the best clean energy improvements to make around your home. I successfully helped include this provision in the Inflation Reduction Act to help make these audits more accessible to homeowners. See if you qualify here. The Inflation Reduction Act also supported up to $7,500 in tax credits for those who purchase electric vehicles that meet certain standards. Learn more about these credits here.Tax Credits to Assist Workers and Families Tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), and Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) are critical to fighting poverty and giving families relief to help with everyday expenses. I am working to strengthen these credits, especially the CTC and EITC, so they work better for ordinary Americans and can better reach those who need it. If you are unsure if you qualify for these credits, I still encourage you to check using the links I’ve shared below so you don’t miss out on tax benefits you’ve earned.The EITC is a tax credit for low to middle income workers and can provide great relief for working people. Last year, the average amount a worker received was $2,541. If you earned less than earn less than $63,398, you could be eligible. Don’t leave money on the table, use the EITC assistant to see if you qualify!Child care is expensive and through our tax laws, there are ways to lessen its financial load on families. If you are a parent who paid for childcare as you worked or job searched, you could qualify for the CDCTC. The CTC can assist families with the cost of raising children and could be claimed during your tax filing if you are eligible. Even if you don’t normally need to file a tax return, you could still qualify.  My Office is Here to HelpAs always, my office is here to help. If you need help with a federal matter, please don’t hesitate to call my district office at 414-297-1140.Your friend,Gwen