Tax filing to begin on Jan. 28

The 2019 tax filing begin date is set for Monday, Jan. 28. Local Tax Preparer Crystal Bridger confirms that despite the partial government shutdown, the IRS believes they have the ability to pay refunds. According to Bridger, they are planning to recall workers during the filing season as part of their contingency plan.

A press release issued by the IRS confirms, “The IRS will be recalling a significant portion of its workforce, currently furloughed as part of the government shutdown, to work. Additional details for the IRS filing season will be included in an updated FY2019 Lapsed Appropriations Contingency Plan to be released publicly in the coming days.”

The press release continued, “As in past years, the IRS will begin accepting and processing individual tax returns once the filing season begins. For taxpayers who usually file early in the year and have all of the needed documentation, there is no need to wait to file. They should file when they are ready to submit a complete and accurate tax return.”

Although the filing date is set as usual, Bridger explains that, “The IRS had a large ‘to do’ list prior to the shutdown with the new tax laws being implemented. I think we can reasonably expect some complications that might make it a little more stressful than usual. We’ll see.”