Tax return filing to begin Jan. 30 for most

IRS spokesman David Stell discusses how “fiscal cliff” legislation delayed tax return filings. Most taxpayers can file Jan. 30, but others claiming energy credits and other tax benefits must wait until late February or March.

 
By Paula Burkes | Published: January 9, 2013    Comment on this article Leave a comment

photo - David Stell, Oklahoma spokesman for the Internal Revenue Service <strong></strong>
David Stell, Oklahoma spokesman for the Internal Revenue Service

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Q: What about taxpayers who don't believe they were affected by the late legislation and are ready to file now? Can they file as soon as they want to?

A: The IRS will not process any paper-filed tax returns before Jan. 30, and will not accept e-file electronically filed tax returns before that same date. There's no advantage to filing on paper before Jan. 30, and taxpayers will receive their refunds much faster by using e-file and choosing direct deposit. Last year, more than 80 percent of taxpayers used e-file.

Q: What's the best source of information about the tax filing season, including information about e-file and Free File electronic tax filing, as well as where and how to get free tax help?

A: That's easy — the IRS website, www.irs.gov, contains all this and more, and is the most up-to-date source about federal tax information, tax returns and refunds, as well as tax filing in general.

PAULA BURKES, BUSINESS WRITER