Despite several setbacks, the IRS has officially opened up filing for the 2019 tax season. The IRS anticipates refunds to start being issued the first week of February and does not expect the government shutdown to affect the refunds of those individuals who file early, contrary to previous reports. It’s important to note that the IRS typically receives a tremendous number of phone calls during the early weeks of tax season; it is highly recommended that those taxpayers looking for the status of their refunds use the IRS.gov website to check for updates.

A couple more helpful details to be aware of this tax season:

• The 1040 form has been completely redesigned and consolidates Forms 1040A, 1040-EZ, and 1040 into one basic form. Those taxpayers who meet basic tax conditions will only need to file this form with no additional schedules or reports.

• For the majority of taxpayers, the tax filing deadline to submit 2018 tax returns is Monday April 15, 2019. Due to Patriot’s Day (which falls on April 15th) in Maine and Massachusetts and the Emancipation Day holiday (which falls on April 16th) in Washington DC, taxpayers who reside in Maine and Massachusetts have an extended deadline and are not required to file tax returns until April 17th.

If you have any questions regarding your 2018 tax returns, we recommend that you call our office or visit the IRS.gov website for more information.