(Tax Season begins February 12)...That is when the IRS begins accepting individual tax returns.

The IRS says the filing date allows them time to do additional programing and testing the IRS systems following the December 27 tax law changes that provided a second round of Economic Impact Payments and other benefits. For those who have not recieved a second round stimulus check or only received a partial benefit check should file a Recovery Rebate Credit to receive the remaining funds or the stimulus check that never arrived. The IRS says the programming work is critical to ensure all systems are running smoothly and refunds are not delayed. Because of the pandemic, the IRS recommends 2020 tax year returns are filed electronically, and filers use direct deposit to receive refunds. If taxes are filed through a professional, make sure all COVID guidelines are followed.