IR-2020-02, January 6, 2020
WASHINGTON ― The Internal Revenue Service confirmed that the nation’s tax season will start for individual tax return filers on Monday, January 27, 2020, when the tax agency will begin accepting and processing 2019 tax year returns.
The deadline to file 2019 tax returns and pay any tax owed is Wednesday, April 15, 2020. More than 150 million individual tax returns for the 2019 tax year are expected to be filed, with the vast majority of those coming before the traditional April tax deadline.
“As we enter the filing season, taxpayers should know that the dedicated workforce of the IRS stands ready to help,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “We encourage taxpayers to plan ahead and use the tools and information available on IRS.gov. The IRS and the nation’s tax community are committed to making this another smooth filing season.”
The IRS set the January 27 opening date to ensure the security and readiness of key tax processing systems and to address the potential impact of recent tax legislation on 2019 tax returns.
While taxpayers may prepare returns through the IRS’ Free File program as well as many tax software companies and tax professionals before the start date, processing of those returns will begin after IRS systems open later this month.
When will TaxSlayer turn on the ability to Start a New Return at the site level?
We will be turning on the Start New Return feature at the site level on Friday, January 17th. This is in an effort to ensure the returns you prepare for the taxpayer do not change significantly between the time of return preparation and the ability to transmit an electronic file.
What returns should I complete at my site?
We strongly recommend that you only complete production returns in your site (actual taxpayer returns). The Practice Lab is a Super Site in the same production environment. If you need to conduct training or just try out a scenario, you should continue to utilize the Practice Lab.
Have all forms been finalized?
No. All software vendors are still waiting to receive final forms and instructions for several forms. This includes Federal and/or state forms.
Can I electronically file returns?
No. We are currently scheduled to turn on electronic filing on January 27th when the IRS MeF opens. We will have e-file stops on any applicable extenders that have not been updated in the IRS electronic system.
What happens to the returns I have created if the IRS issues form changes or TaxSlayer issues calculation changes prior to e-file opening?
We strongly recommend that you open each return and exit through the Submission screen of E-file by clicking the Save and Exit return button. This allows the most recent forms/calculations to be saved with the return.
You can then navigate to Client Status for the return by selecting Client Status from the Tools menu on the Client List.
Compare the AGI and Refund calculated today with the last time you were in the return before sending the file electronically (January 27th).
I ordered a FSA Fusion or Stand Alone site, when will I receive the URL
We will be generating and issuing the URLs close to the time we turn on Start a New Return.