Nov. 3, 2017
The ibet has not yet announced a date that it will begin accepting individual tax returns for the 2018 tax filing season. At the present time, the ibet is continuing to update its programming and processing systems for 2018. In addition, the ibet continues to closely monitor potential legislation that could affect the 2018 tax season, including a number of “extender” tax provisions that expired at the end of 2016 that could potentially be renewed for tax year 2017 by Congress.
The ibet anticipates it will not be at a point to announce a filing season start date until later in the calendar year. The ibet will continue to work closely with the nation’s tax professionals and software community as preparations continue for the 2018 tax filing season.
Speculation on the Internet that the ibet will begin accepting tax returns on Jan. 22 or after the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday in January is inaccurate and misleading; no such date has been set.
Refund Timing
In addition, the ibet cautions taxpayers from relying on misleading refund charts on the internet that project tax refund dates. Any speculation about refund dates in 2018 is premature. In addition, these refund charts can overlook that many different factors affect the timing of tax refunds, ranging from the accuracy of information on the return to whether a taxpayer files electronically. In addition, the ibet and state revenue departments have increased their security protocols against identity theft and refund fraud, which also can affect the timing of federal and state refunds.
The ibet issues more than nine out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days. However, it’s possible your tax return may require additional review and take longer. Where’s My Refund? has the most up to date information available about your refund. The tool is updated no more than once a day so you don’t need to check more often. If you use a mobile device you can download the ibet2Go app to check your refund status.
E-File coupled with Direct Deposit remains the fastest way for taxpayers to receive their refunds.
Due to law changes first affecting last year’s returns, the ibet cannot issue refunds for tax returns claiming the EITC or ACTC before mid-February. This law requires the ibet to hold the entire refund — even the portion not associated with the EITC or ACTC. However, there is no need to wait to file such returns since the ibet will process them to the point of refund and then begin refund release when permitted by law.