IRS Plans January 30 Tax Season Opening For 1040 Filers
By: Stephen Crews
Updated: January 9, 2013
Following the January tax law changes made by Congress under the American Taxpayer Relief Act (ATRA), the Internal Revenue
Service announced today it plans to open the 2013 filing season and begin processing individual income tax returns on Jan. 30.
The
IRS will begin accepting tax returns on that date after updating forms
and completing programming and testing of its processing
systems. This will reflect the bulk of the late tax law changes enacted
Jan. 2. The announcement means that the vast majority of tax filers --
more than 120 million households -- should be able to start filing tax
returns starting Jan 30.
The
IRS estimates that remaining households will be able to start filing in
late February or into March because of the need for more
extensive form and processing systems changes. This group includes
people claiming residential energy credits, depreciation of property or
general business credits. Most of those in this group file more complex
tax returns and typically file closer to the April
15 deadline or obtain an extension.
"We
have worked hard to open tax season as soon as possible," IRS Acting
Commissioner Steven T. Miller said. "This date ensures we
have the time we need to update and test our processing systems."
The IRS will not process paper tax returns before the anticipated Jan. 30 opening date. There is no advantage to filing on paper
before the opening date, and taxpayers will receive their tax refunds much faster by using e-file with direct deposit.
"The best option for taxpayers is to file electronically," Miller said.
The
opening of the filing season follows passage by Congress of an
extensive set of tax changes in ATRA on Jan. 1, 2013, with many
affecting tax returns for 2012. While the IRS worked to anticipate the
late tax law changes as much as possible, the final law required that
the IRS update forms and instructions as well as make critical
processing system adjustments before it can begin accepting
tax returns.
The
IRS originally planned to open electronic filing this year on Jan. 22;
more than 80 percent of taxpayers filed electronically
last year.
Who Can File Starting Jan. 30?
The
IRS anticipates that the vast majority of all taxpayers can file
starting Jan. 30, regardless of whether they file electronically
or on paper. The IRS will be able to accept tax returns affected by the
late Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) patch as well as the three major
"extender" provisions for people claiming the state and local sales tax
deduction, higher education tuition and fees
deduction and educator expenses deduction.
Who Can't File Until Later?
There
are several forms affected by the late legislation that require more
extensive programming and testing of IRS systems. The
IRS hopes to begin accepting tax returns including these tax forms
between late February and into March; a specific date will be announced
in the near future.
The
key forms that require more extensive programming changes include Form
5695 (Residential Energy Credits), Form 4562 (Depreciation
and Amortization) and Form 3800 (General Business Credit). A full
listing of the forms that won't be accepted until later is available on
IRS.gov.
As
part of this effort, the IRS will be working closely with the tax
software industry and tax professional community to minimize
delays and ensure as smooth a tax season as possible under the
circumstances.
Updated information will be posted on IRS.gov.
