"This year there are many changes with COVID changes in the IRS tax code. There are many opportunities that many can take advantage of, and of course there are many pitfalls as well, said Andrew Reigstad owner of Tax 29,.

He reminds eligible people who did not receive stimulus dollars they can file on thier tax forms to receive that money, or part of their refund recovery rebate credit.

Reigstad adds, "If a taxpayer did not receive a stimulus payment in March or April of last year, or the one in December, or January of this year, they are able to recover that with a recovery rebate credit on their tax return."

He says there is no direct tax on stimulus checks, however if people owe the IRS money they may only see a portion of the stimulus dollars.

"It is not the way it was in the past, if the money comes through taxes it will off set what you owe said," Reigstad.

In addition there are options that can help provide a bigger return for tax filers.

Reigstad emphasized, "Many taxpayers saw a loss of employment, saw their income go down and they're able to go back and look at 2019 and use those numbers if it will improve their refund for certain credits such as the Earned Income Credit, and Child Tax Credit.

For people who have had to take money out of their 401-K there
are also potential breaks on penalties, and an option of spreading your payments over three years. Reigstad said, "We have been helped a lot of our customers already."

There are new deductions for charitable contributions and different situations that are brand new due to COVID-19.

TAx 29 says to maximize refunds or reduce the amount you owe, professional help may be needed this year more than ever.

The filing deadline and the day to pay the IRS if you owe money is April 15th, but you can file to extend your paperwork until October 15th.

"Some of the big things such as energy credits for solar panels, and geothermal heat pumps are diminishing. They are still around. We can look for all of those for our customers,” added Reigstad.

The owner of Tax 29 told WFMJ news with the changes going into effect he has seen some big help in the form of large refunds,
for some customers who traditionally had nothing coming back.