WASHINGTON (IRS) -
Following the January tax law changes made by Congress under the American
Taxpayer Relief Act (ATRA), the Internal Revenue Service announced Tuesday that 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.
For more information from the IRS, head to their website.
