The delayed tax law passage has caused tax forms to be late to area libraries, and it is unclear when the forms will start arriving.
“All public libraries place orders for federal tax forms months in advance, and we receive periodic updates from the IRS, regarding order fulfillment,” said Adam Webb, head of reference studies at the York County Public Library in an email. “The IRS has indicated that the production of some 2012 tax forms and instructions has been delayed, due to recent Congressional legislation, and they have offered no estimate of when the forms will be delivered. ”
Tax season for taxpayers who file the 1040 form will officially open Jan. 30 after a set of tax law changes under the American Taxpayer Relief Act was passed by Congress on Jan. 1.
The IRS will begin accepting 1040 form tax returns Jan. 30 and will not process paper tax returns before that date. More complex forms, such as energy-efficient home and appliance forms and tax bond holder credit forms cannot be filed until February or March. The forms that are ready for 2012 taxes are available on the Internal Revenue Service website and a listing of the forms to be accepted later is available on the IRS website.
An IRS press release said taxpayers who e-file their returns and request direct deposit will receive their refunds much faster than others. Originally, the IRS planned to open the electronic filing system Jan. 22. Last year more than 80 percent of taxpayers filed electronically.
“We have worked hard to open tax season as soon as possible,” IRS Acting Commissioner Steven T. Miller said in a news release. “This date ensures we have the time we need to update and test our processing systems.”
The Virginia Department of Taxation will no longer issue paper checks for tax returns. Returns will only be given through direct deposit or a prepaid MasterCard. Recipients of the MasterCard can withdraw money from the card but may be subject to fees depending on where and how many times the card is used. Documentation will be attached to the card to give information on use of the card and all applicable fees.
