Tax filing season

delayed to Jan. 30

Following the January tax law changes made by Congress under the American Taxpayer Relief Act, the Internal Revenue Service will open the 2013 filing season and begin processing individual income tax returns on Jan. 30.

The IRS will begin accepting tax returns on that date after updating forms and completing programming and testing of its processing systems. This will reflect the bulk of the late tax law changes enacted Jan. 2. The announcement means that most tax filers — more than 120 million households — should be able to start filing tax returns starting Jan. 30.

The IRS estimates that remaining households will be able to start filing in late February or March because of the need for more extensive form and processing systems changes.

This group includes people claiming residential energy credits, depreciation of property or general business credits. Most of those in this group file more complex tax returns and typically file closer to the April 15 deadline or obtain an extension.