Due to the government shutdown, the filing date has been pushed back to file your 2013 tax returns. The IRS has announced plans to open the 2014 filing season on January 31, 2014, as opposed to the January 21st date. The government shutdown and the extensive set of ATRA tax changes affected many 2012 tax returns, which led to the late January opening.
The IRS noted several options available to help taxpayers prepare and receive their refunds as quickly as possible.
• Many software companies are expected to begin accepting tax returns in January and hold those returns until the IRS systems open on January 31.
• Taxpayers are encouraged to file their tax returns using e-file or Free File with the direct deposit option to receive their refunds the fastest.
• The April 15 tax deadline is set by statute and will remain in place. To receive an automatic six month extension, you will need to file Form 4868, electronically or through the mail.