Just as I was gnashing my teeth about a topic for this month’s article, I received some information from the IRS about Tax Forms and filing this year that I thought I should pass on to you.

Following the January tax law changes made by Congress under the American Taxpayer Relief Act, the Internal Revenue Service announced it plans to open the 2013 filing season and begin processing individual income tax returns on January 30th.

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 January 2nd. The announcement means that the vast majority of tax filers, more than 120 million households, should be able to start filing tax returns on January 30th.

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 15th deadline or obtain an extension.

The IRS will not process paper tax returns before the anticipated January 30th 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.

This information means that we will not be getting tax forms early at the library this year. We won’t get the forms until the government is able to send them out. Forms will probably be available online a little earlier, but we still don’t have a date for that. As soon as we receive forms and instructions, we will put them out near the entrance of the building.

The AARP will be doing tax returns for senior citizens at the library again this year.  An appointment is required  to have the AARP members to do your taxes, for scheduling, please call 702-293-3320.

Updated information will be posted at www.IRS.gov. We will also post updates at www.bclibrary.org.

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