The federal tax filing season will begin Monday, Jan. XX, the IRS announced today, also noting that taxpayers claiming certain tax credits should expect a longer wait for refunds.
Due to law changes, first affecting last year’s returns, the IRS cannot issue refunds for tax returns claiming the EITC or ACTC before mid-February. This law requires the IRS to hold the entire refund — even the portion not associated with the EITC or ACTC. However, there is no need to wait to file such returns since the IRS will process them to the point of refund and then begin refund release when permitted by law. Per IRS notice published November 3, 2017.
- Don’t routinely carry your social security card or documents with your SSN.
- Do not overshare personal information on social media. Information about past addresses, a new car, a new home and your children help identity thieves pose as you.
- Keep old tax returns and tax records under lock and key or encrypted if electronic. Shred tax documents before trashing.
- Avoid IRS Impersonators. The IRS will not call you with threats of jail or lawsuits. The IRS will not send you an unsolicited email suggesting you have a refund or that you need to update your account. The IRS will not request any sensitive information online.
- These are all scams, and they are persistent. Don’t fall for them.
- Forward IRS-related scam emails to phishing@irs.gov. Report IRS-impersonation telephone calls at www.tigta.gov.
From IRS publication 4524.
