IRS Plans Jan. 30 Tax Season Opening For 1040 Filers
IR-2013-2, Jan. 8, 2013
WASHINGTON — 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.