In IR–2021–16, the Internal Revenue Service announced that the tax season will be starting later than usual. The IRS will begin processing 2020 tax year returns on February 12, 2021.
The delay this year is due to the passage of tax law changes in the omnibus spending bill enacted on December 27, 2020. This bill created a second round of Economic Impact Payments and changed other tax provisions. In order to ensure that tax return software is correct and able to provide the Recovery Rebate Credits to individuals who did not receive the full amount of their stimulus check, the IRS had to defer the start date.
Taxpayers who file electronically with direct deposit may receive the first refunds. This includes taxpayers who use the IRS Free File software.
IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig stated, "Planning for the nation's filing season process is a massive undertaking, and IRS...
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