For Hometown News
STUART -- Liberty Tax Service is alerting consumers of a delay to the official beginning of the 2013 filing season.
The Internal Revenue Service plans to begin processing individual income tax returns on Jan. 30, eight days later than originally targeted. 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. It also means refunds could be delayed to mid to late February.
"This has been an epic beginning to tax season 2013," said John Hewitt, CEO and founder of Liberty Tax Service. "I'm starting my 44th tax season looking at the worst delays in filing I have ever seen. Fortunately, we have the most experienced management team of any tax preparation company and are ready to navigate these rough waters."
Due to last-minute tax law changes made by Congress under the American Taxpayer Relief Act, the IRS has scrambled to update forms and make critical programming changes to its processing systems.
Taxpayers will be able to start filing in late February and early March.
The IRS provides a full listing of the forms that are currently not being accepted on its website, IRS.gov.
"Liberty Tax is staying in contact with the IRS to keep abreast of the release of these updated forms. And we are fully prepared to move forward and help our customers get their money as quickly as possible," said Mr. Hewitt.
There is no advantage to filing taxes on paper before Jan. 30. The IRS also reiterates that taxpayers will receive their tax refunds much faster by e-filing their returns. More than 80 percent of taxpayers filed electronically last year.
Jan. 22 was the originally planned date the IRS set to open electronic filing this year.
As a major leader in the tax preparation industry, Liberty Tax Service will be working alongside the IRS to help with the delays this tax season and to ensure they receive the most current and accurate tax assistance.
Liberty Tax service is located at 3970 N.W. Federal Highway, Jensen Beach. Call (772) 692-2911;
1938 S.E. Federal Highway, Stuart. Call (772) 463-1131; 5575 S.E. Federal Highway, Stuart. Call (772) 286-4940.
For more information, visit www.libertytax.com.