File ASAP - But not before Jan 31!

I am following up on a comment recently posted by a reader. In my previous post, I urged you to file your tax return as soon as possible to reduce the risk of an identity thief filing a fraudulent tax return before you file your return.

I was not suggesting that you file your return before you receive all of your necessary tax forms, e.g., W-2, brokerage statements. But you should file as soon as you have all those forms without any further delay.

Second, you can't file before Jan 31 - at least not with the IRS. Because of the government shutdown in 2013, the IRS will not accept returns before this date. If you mail your return before then, it will be held. If you efile your return, it will not be transmitted to the IRS until Jan 31.

Please post a comment if you have any general questions and I will be happy to respond. I can also be reached at lencarusi@gmail.com or (203) 807-3263 if you have any specific issues you would like to discuss.