IRS Exception for Education

While most can now file their taxes, there are exceptions.  The Internal Revenue Service has announced that processing of tax returns claiming education credits will begin by the middle of February. Taxpayers using Form 8863, Education Credits, can begin filing their tax returns after the IRS updates its processing systems. Form 8863 is used to claim two higher education credits -- the American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit.  The IRS emphasized that the delayed start will have no impact on taxpayers claiming other education-related tax benefits, such as the tuition and fees deduction and the student loan interest deduction. People otherwise were able to file and claiming these benefits as of January 30.  For information on filing taxes or downloading forms, go to IRS.gov.