IRS to begin accepting returns Jan. 30
Taxpayers who use some schedules will have to wait until mid-February or March. So far, there is no reason to expect refunds to be delayed.
The Internal Revenue Service will begin accepting tax returns on Jan. 30, 2013, though taxpayers who use some forms will not be able to file until February or March.
The agency had planned to begin accepting returns Jan. 22, but it delayed that schedule to update computers and forms to account for most of the changes Congress made in the fiscal cliff legislation passed last week.
Taxpayers will have to wait until late February or early March if they want to claim a residential energy tax credit, report property depreciation or claim a general business credit. The full list of forms that will not be available until later is available on the IRS website.
The IRS noted that most taxpayers who use those types of forms file closer to the April 15 deadline or even later, with an extension.
Both electronic and paper returns will be accepted starting Jan. 30. Taxpayers who want to file their own taxes electronically can do so free through the IRS Free File program. The quickest way to get a tax refund is to file electronically and have your refund direct-deposited to your bank account.
"We have worked hard to open tax season as soon as possible," IRS Acting Commissioner Steven T. Miller said in a news release. "This date ensures we have the time we need to update and test our processing systems."
The IRS plans to work with companies that produce tax filing software to help them update their systems to account for the latest changes.
Some of those companies are already accepting returns. TurboTax, for example, said it is already up to date with all the latest changes and is accepting returns now, though the company cannot transmit them to the IRS until Jan. 30.
So far, nothing that Congress has done will delay tax refunds. But there has been some speculation that tax refunds could be delayed if Congress fails to reach an agreement on the debt ceiling by mid-February. Asked by McClatchy Newspapers about that possibility, representatives from the White House, IRS and U.S. Treasury refused to answer questions.
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No big deal. Most Americans don't yet have all their tax information until the first week in February anyhow. Employers and other businesses don't have to send the information out until the last date of January, so it really isn't a big deal for the filing date to be pushed back to the 30th. Besides, you're talking about a week here. If someone can't wait 1 week longer to get their taxes back (or pay them), then they have a problem. For those who have to wait a little longer for the systems to update to file certain deductions, that is more of an issue, but still not really too much of a problem. Most people who itemize do wait to file until later, so it won't be a significant wait for most of them. Yes, some file early even with itemizing, but that isn't usually the case.
A piece of advice -- if you are able to file early and expect a refund, you should file as soon as possible. This year sounds like it may end up similar to last year, where those who file early get their refunds right away, but many of those who file after mid-February end up having to wait for the refund to arrive. Save yourself the hassle and file electronically with direct deposit for the refund as close to Jan 30 as possible.
You taxed me all year yet i have to fill out a form incase you missed some money, really!
This is the dumbest tax system ever and so over complicated......makes me look forward to Obamacare and trying to get health care when they run outta forms!
Since I pay taxes all year long stop giving the 47% tax refunds when they don't work and are a drain on our nations resources!
Flat Tax now!!!!!!!
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