Taxing time: How the COVID-19 pandemic will affect filing your taxes

FILE - This Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019, file photo shows part of a 1040 federal tax form printed from the Internal Revenue Service website, in Zelienople, Pa. Tax filing season will start a bit later and look a bit different this year. That's because the pandemic that defined 2020 has seeped into tax time as well. If you worked from home, received a relief payment, took on some gig work or filed unemployment benefits _ or someone filed a fake claim in your name _ there are things you need to be aware of. Likewise if you normally receive certain tax credits. The IRS will begin accepting tax returns on Feb. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File) FILE - This Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019, file photo shows part of a 1040 federal tax form printed from the Internal Revenue Service website, in Zelienople, Pa. Tax filing season will start a bit later and look a bit different this year. That's because the pandemic that defined 2020 has seeped into tax time as well. If you worked from home, received a relief payment, took on some gig work or filed unemployment benefits _ or someone filed a fake claim in your name _ there are things you need to be aware of. Likewise if you normally receive certain tax credits. The IRS will begin accepting tax returns on Feb. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)

By SARAH SKIDMORE SELL / AP Personal Finance Writer February 13, 2021 6 min read

The pandemic has made everything a bit trickier – tax filing season is no exception.

The whole process is starting a bit later this year and there are a few wrinkles to be aware of for those who received unemployment benefits, worked from home, took on gig work, were a victim of fraud – or faced other issues common to 2020.

The IRS will begin accepting tax returns on Feb. 12. Here’s what you should know before you file:

UNEMPLOYMENT

Unemployment benefits are taxable income, which may surprise some filers.