The Internal Revenue Service announced filing for most taxpayers will begin on Friday, Feb. 12, rather Jan. 31.
IRS personnel need additional time to time to program and test IRS systems following tax law changes approved by the U.S. Congress in December that provided a second round of Economic Impact Payments and other benefits.
The changes ensure that eligible people will receive any remaining stimulus money as a Recovery Rebate Credit when they file their 2020 tax return.
People can begin filing their tax returns immediately with tax software companies, including IRS Free File partners, and the returns will be transmitted to the IRS starting Feb. 12. The deadline for filing will remain April 15.
Overall, the IRS anticipates nine out of 10 taxpayers will receive their refund within 21 days of when they file electronically with direct deposit.The IRS urges taxpayers and tax professionals to file electronically.
Although tax seasons frequently begin in late January, there have been five instances since 2007 when filing seasons did not start for some taxpayers until February due to tax law changes made just before the start of tax time.