The tax law set off a scramble at the IRS to reprogram its computers and change its forms to reflect all the changes. The agency has announced that the tax filing season will begin on time for most taxpayers, but itemizers and certain others will have to wait until mid- to late February before filing.
The delay affects you if you’re in any of these categories:
- You claim itemized deductions, instead of the standard deduction.
- You claim the Higher Education Tuition and Fees Deduction. (Other benefits for higher education, such as the American Opportunity Tax Credit, are not affected.)
- You claim the educator expense deduction (a limited allowance for teachers with out-of-pocket classroom expenses).
The delay affects both paper filers and electronic filers. The IRS strongly encourages electronic filing as a way to minimize confusion or inaccuracy that may result from these late changes in the law.
The IRS will make a later announcement when it can specify the date filing will be available to these categories of taxpayers. Meanwhile you can work on your return but should not file it if you’re one of those who are affected.
