Tax filing begins January 30

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Americans can begin filing taxes Jan. 30, perhaps seeing refunds by Feb. 21  according to H & R Block tax advisor Craig Rhodes. 

However, Rhodes said a portion of taxpayers may have to wait to file, including those who get general business credits.

"They get credits for hiring certain types of people. They can get credits for that. Also, people who have residential energy credits with home improvements to make their homes more energy efficient," Rhodes said.

Rhodes said the delay is because Congress didn't pass tax law changes until very recently.

"A lot of forms, schedules and worksheets had to be fixed to take the changes into account," Rhodes said. "The IRS had to upgrade their software to take care of the software changes."

One taxpayer, Kenneth Riddick, thinks that's not fair.

"People out here are working hard and they deserve their money. They shouldn't have to wait a designated time to file their taxes. It hasn't been like that and all of a sudden everything's changed."

Rhodes pointed out that before you can file, you'll need certain paperwork.

"Generally speaking, you need to have your W-2 to file a tax return," Rhodes said. "Feb. 15 and after, you can file with a pay stub if you haven't received your W-2. There's a special process for doing that. It's called a substitute W-2."

He said most workers should have their W-2's by February at the latest.