Government Shutdown Forces IRS Tax Delay for 2014

Posted by Madison on October 24, 2013

Just like last year (and the year before) there will be delays to the start of the tax filing season again this year. The delay will apply to 2013 tax returns filed in 2014. This year, the delay is due to the 16 day government shutdown.

Income Tax Delay 2014

The IRS just announced that the 2014 Tax Season will Start Later following the government closure. The IRS closed about 90% of their operations during the government shutdown, which is also peak season for the IRS to update, program and test their processing systems.

How Long is the IRS Tax Delay for 2013 Tax Returns?

The beginning of tax filing season will be delayed approximately one to two weeks. The tax filing season was supposed to begin on January 21, 2014. The IRS stated that the delay will likely mean that they’ll start accepting tax returns sometime between January 28, 2014 and February 4, 2014. They’ll make a final decision in December on when the IRS will begin accepting tax returns for 2014.

Update: The IRS announced the first day to file taxes in 2014 will be on January 31.

More Information About the Tax Filing Delay

What happens if there is another shutdown?

Another shutdown, obviously, will likely mean longer tax return delays for 2014.

Will the tax deadline be extended?

No. Even if there is a delay to the start of tax season, the tax deadline will still be April 15, 2014. You can still request a tax extension.

Should you file by paper?

No. You will still get your tax refund quicker by e-filing, even with the delay. The IRS won’t process paper forms before the start date either.

What are some of the changes the IRS is programming?

One new tax change that will apply for the 2013 tax year is the New 2013 Investment Tax. While the new Health Insurance Premium Tax Credit has been in the news lately, it doesn’t begin until January 1, 2014, so it won’t show up on your tax return until the following year when you file in 2015.

What were the delays last year?

The tax filing season was delayed last year due to the delays in resolving the fiscal cliff, the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), and the Education Credits.

Will your tax refund be delayed?

At this point it is unclear if the refund timeline will be impacted beyond just the late start to the filing season. Normally, filers can expect their refunds in 21 days: How Long Does it Take to Get Your Tax Refund? Last year the tax filing delay started a ripple effect that caused a tax refund delay in 2013. We might be looking at the same thing again this year.

Helpful Tax Resources

More Tax Filing Questions



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