The 2012 tax filing season is officially open, according to the IRS.
The IRS e-file system for individuals is now operating at 100 percent after initially coming back on line on January 17 and experiencing lengthly upload delays after accepting individual and business returns. The system was taken off line without notification on January 18 to fix the problems and returned again to full function on January 19. The IRS admits to not notifying the public of the January 18 action and vows to better communicate information in the future.
Taxpayers can file immediately and get their refund automatically in as few as 10 days. For people who owe taxes, the IRS points out that e-file offers payment alternatives such as filing now and scheduling payment on the April tax deadline. Taxpayers who still want to pay by check can do so by e-filing and then mailing a payment voucher.
