IRS to start tax

season Jan. 30

The IRS will begin processing most individual income tax returns on Jan. 30, after updating forms and completing programming and testing of its processing systems.

The IRS anticipated many of the tax law changes made by Congress under the American Taxpayer Relief Act, but the final law requires some changes before the IRS can begin accepting tax returns.

The IRS will not process paper or electronic tax returns before the Jan. 30 opening date, so there is no advantage to filing on paper before then.

The IRS encourages using e-file to file an accurate tax return, and using e-file with direct deposit is the fastest way to get a refund.

Many major software providers are accepting tax returns in advance of the Jan. 30 processing date. These software providers will hold onto the returns and then electronically submit them after the IRS systems open.

If you use commercial software, check with your provider for specific instructions about when they will accept your return. Software companies and tax professionals send returns to the IRS, but the timing of the refunds is determined by IRS processing, which starts Jan. 30.

For the latest information about the Jan. 30 tax season opening, tax law changes and tax refunds, visit IRS.gov.