Tax season is here

the irs has started the tax season as of today.
there are a few things that are not the same from prior years... you will have four extra days to file; this year is a leap year therefore we add February 29 as an extra day. the last day to file will be april 18, 2016; three days after the usual tax day.

if you did not have health insurance for all or part of the year be prepared to pay a higher penalty this year than the penalty imposed last year. if you were insured through your employer you will receive a new form this year. 

also, irs will crucially examine tax returns this year; this is due to the growing tax fraud. do not be surprised if your state refund takes a little longer to arrive as mentioned in the washington post https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/get-there/wp/2016/01/07/why-you-may-have-to-wait-longer-for-your-tax-refund-this-year 

to make this tax year smooth make sure you have all your documents ready for your tax preparer and be prepared to provide copies of your id and social security card to identify you are the person named in the return.

happy filing