How the Government Shutdown Might Affect the Filing of Your 2013 Tax Return
Expect the start of the tax-filing season to be delayed -- which means a longer wait for refunds.
I’m expecting a refund after I file my 2013 income tax return. Will the tax-filing deadlines be affected by the government shutdown in October? --S.M., Brooklyn
The shutdown could affect when you file your return. The IRS plans to delay the start of tax-filing season, pushing back the date it starts accepting returns from January 21 until sometime between January 28 and February 4 (the specific date has not yet been announced).
The IRS is using the extra time to update and test the computer systems that process tax returns, a task it would have already accomplished had IRS workers not been furloughed during the 16-day shutdown. Because of the delay, you may not get your tax refund as quickly as you had hoped. You can speed up the process by using e-file with direct deposit.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hwgJ7osrMtUWhk5koeVme7-200-80.png](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hwgJ7osrMtUWhk5koeVme7-320-80.png)
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Getting a refund means the IRS withheld too much money from your paychecks during the year. Rather than wait for a refund next year, arrange to keep more in each paycheck by adjusting your tax withholding. The more allowances you claim, the less tax will be withheld. For help figuring out how many allowances to claim, see IRS Publication 919, How Do I Adjust My Tax Withholding?, at www.irs.gov, or use our tax-withholding calculator.
To adjust your withholding, fill out a new W-4 form (available at www.irs.gov) and submit it to your employer. The change should be reflected in your next paycheck.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
As the "Ask Kim" columnist for Kiplinger's Personal Finance, Lankford receives hundreds of personal finance questions from readers every month. She is the author of Rescue Your Financial Life (McGraw-Hill, 2003), The Insurance Maze: How You Can Save Money on Insurance -- and Still Get the Coverage You Need (Kaplan, 2006), Kiplinger's Ask Kim for Money Smart Solutions (Kaplan, 2007) and The Kiplinger/BBB Personal Finance Guide for Military Families. She is frequently featured as a financial expert on television and radio, including NBC's Today Show, CNN, CNBC and National Public Radio.
-
Kamala Harris Calls for 28% Capital Gains Tax, Diverging from Biden's Higher Rate
Capital Gains Capital gains tax rates are an important issue for some voters in the upcoming November election.
By Kelley R. Taylor Published
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Extend Slide Amid Cooling Labor Market
Stocks continued their September slump after job openings hit a multiyear low.
By Dan Burrows Published
-
It’s Not Too Late to Boost Retirement Savings for 2018
retirement Some retirement accounts will accept contributions for 2018 up until the April tax deadline.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
How to Correct a Mistake on Your RMDs from IRAs
retirement If you didn't take out the correct required minimum distribution because your brokerage firm made a mistake, the IRS may show some leniency.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
Ways to Spend Your Flexible Spending Account Money by March 15 Deadline
spending Many workers will be hitting the drugstore in the next few days to use up leftover flexible spending account money from 2018 so they don’t lose it.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
Making the Most of a Health Savings Account Once You Turn Age 65
Making Your Money Last You’ll face a stiff penalty and taxes if you tap your health savings account for non-medical expenses before the age of 65. After that, the rules change.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
Reporting Charitable IRA Distributions on Tax Returns Can Be Confusing
IRAs Taxpayers need to be careful when reporting charitable gifts from their IRA on their tax returns, or they may end up overpaying Uncle Sam.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
When You Can Expect to Receive Your Tax Refund
taxes The quickest way to receive your tax refund is to file electronically and have the money directly deposited into your bank account.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
How a Move Can Change Your 529 Plan Tax Deduction
529 Plans The tax deduction you get for contributing to your state’s 529 plan can disappear if you move to another state.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
Tap an IRA Tax-Free With an HSA Rollover
IRAs You can convert tax-deferred money in a traditional IRA into tax-free cash by rolling it over to a health savings account and using it to pay for medical bills.
By Kimberly Lankford Published