What day can we file our 2018 taxes

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

The IRS has not yet announced when they will begin to accept 2018 tax returns.  Last year they began accepting 2017 returns on January 29.  With all of the new tax laws and changes to the tax forms, tax software, etc. it is unlikely to be earlier than that, and probably later.  They do not yet even have all of the forms ready; some state forms are not expected to be ready until March.  Trying to file too early is not advisable at all.  And if you are in a hurry because you are expecting earned income credit or child tax credit, remember that they will not release refunds before mid-February at the earliest for people who are seeking those child-related credits.

“The IRS reminds taxpayers that, by law, the IRS cannot issue refunds claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before mid-February. While the IRS will process those returns when received, it cannot issue related refunds before mid-February. .."

[Critter]

This  past tax year, not only did the IRS have to rewrite a ton of tax code due to the late changes made in Dec of 2017  but the fools in Congress required they also toss out all the old 1040 forms  for the new "1040 Simplified" version ( which is anything but simplified since it adds 6 new schedules) and  all these changes have the IRS way behind the normal timeline so expect things to not only run late but they will be VERY BUGGY so the smart money is on the patient person who waits to file until most of the errors have been corrected.  Last time this happened many of the early filers had their returns lost or delayed for months so don't be in a hurry to jump off that cliff.

The tax programs this year have had to be completely reworked by every tax software company due to the changes above since it is not just as simple as " adding a form or worksheet " since many of the forms interwork with each other ... lots of moving parts to coordinate.   And before they can get final approval they need to be tested and approved by the IRS who themselves are not up to speed yet ... this is an impossible situation that will require patience on all fronts. Even my professional program has indicated that they will be delayed in getting out the first version this year and I appreciate them waiting until they have a working product when it is pushed out.

[Critter]

Everyone should be wary of filing too early this year as the system will be quite buggy for a while.  Last time there were massive late changes some folks who filed early in January got "stuck or lost" in the IRS system for months so patience will need to be exercised this year for sure.