Press Information For Immediate Release January 9, 2013				CONTACT: Martha O’Gorman Chief Marketing Officer (800) 790-3863 ext. 8022 martha@libtax.com

IRS Delays Tax Return Processing Again 

 

Virginia Beach, VA (January 9, 2013) – Liberty Tax Service is alerting consumers today of yet another delay to the official beginning of the 2013 filing season. The Internal Revenue Service has announced it now plans to begin processing individual income tax returns on January 30^th, eight days later than originally targeted. The announcement means that the vast majority of tax filers -- more than 120 million households -- should be able to start filing tax returns starting January 30^th. To further frustrate the situation, refunds could be delayed to mid to late February. 

 “This has been an epic beginning to tax season 2013,” said CEO and founder of Liberty Tax Service, John Hewitt. “I’m starting my 44^th tax season looking at the worst delays in filing I have ever seen.  Fortunately, we have the most experienced management team of any tax preparation company and are ready to navigate these rough waters.”   

 Due to the last-minute tax law changes made by Congress under the American Taxpayer Relief Act (ATRA), the IRS has scrambled to update forms and make critical programming changes to its processing systems. They also anticipate that the remaining taxpayers will be able to start filing in late February and early March because of the needed changes on the more extensive forms and processing systems. The IRS provides a full listing of the forms that are currently not being accepted on their web site: IRS.gov. 

 "Liberty Tax is staying in contact with the IRS to keep abreast of the release of these updated forms. And we are fully prepared to move forward and help our customers get their money as quickly as possible," said Hewitt.  

 The IRS emphasizes that there is no advantage to filing on paper before January 30^th. They also reiterate that taxpayers will receive their tax refunds much faster by e-filing their return. More than 80 percent of taxpayers filed electronically last year. 

 January 22nd was the originally planned date the IRS set to open electronic filing this year. 

 As a major leader in the tax preparation industry, Liberty Tax Service will be working alongside the IRS to help the American people with the delays this tax season and to ensure they receive the most current and accurate tax assistance.   

About Liberty Tax Service                              Founded in 1997 by CEO John T. Hewitt, Liberty Tax Service is the fastest-growing tax preparation franchise ever. Liberty Tax Service has prepared over 10 million individual income tax returns to date. Liberty Tax Service and its nationwide network of over 30,000 tax preparers are ready to offer their assistance at any time. For a more in-depth look at Liberty Tax Service, visit www.libertytax.com. CEO and founder, John Hewitt, is available for media interviews starting today.