Call Kurtis: I.R.S. Wants Millions To Hold Off Filing Taxes

You wouldn't expect the Internal Revenue Service to tell you to hold off filing your taxes, but this year you've been given a license to procrastinate.   I.R.S. Agents simply are not ready to process certain returns.

Congress waited until the end of 2010 year to pass some major tax legislation, and it's causing the I.R.S. to scramble.

"Because of the late tax legislation that was passed in December, the I.R.S. needs to reprogram its computers to catch up with the new law," I.R.S. Spokesman Jesse Weller said.  

The I.R.S. says this affects anyone who will itemize their deductions, which Weller estimates will affect 9-million Americans or 1-million Californians.   So if you donated to charity in 2010 and want to write it off, you won't be able to file yet.    Nor will you if you plan to write off tuition or interest tied to your mortgage.    The IRS says early filers with itemized deductions should wait until mid to late February.

"It's a massive undertaking and that's why it takes a month-and-a-half," Weller said.

If you eFile before they're ready, your return will be rejected.

"Most people who are filing early are filing to get their tax refund," said Weller.

But that refund will have to wait until the I.R.S. is ready for your tax return.

The tax deadline for 2010 has been pushed back to April 18, because of a holiday in Washington, DC on April 15th.   At least once Congressman says because of this reprogramming issue, the I.R.S. should push back the deadline even further.