×

Challenges, And Hardships Continue For IRS

This year’s 2020 tax filing is shaping up to be another nightmare and, all considered, perhaps a nightmare much worse than what was experienced last year.

In a normal year, the IRS would begin allowing people to file returns in late January. This year, because the federal tax agency still is grappling with last-minute changes to the tax law, the IRS will not begin accepting individual income-tax returns until Feb. 12 — a troubling situation for many early filers. The tax agency said on Jan. 15 that it also needed time to program and test its computer systems after the delayed passage of the relief law late December — a legitimate excuse. However, the agency hasn’t been very forthcoming about specifics related to eliminating many of the delays and seemingly irresponsible tax-return storage and priority “techniques” that were in place for 2019 returns.

“We ask taxpayers to be patient,” the IRS said in a statement.

In most years leading up to this one, mustering such patience would have been easier. But with all the challenges and hardships that evolved in 2020 and remain alive in 2021, is that really too much to ask?

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today