Bellingham, WA -- If you’re thinking about filing your tax return early this year, think again. 

Tax experts are advising people that the Internal Revenue Service plans to begin processing individual tax returns starting on January 30th.

The date change, which is eight days later than originally expected, comes on the heels of congress passing the “American Tax Payer Relief Act” late.

The new tax laws have forced the IRS to update forms as well as reprogram and test processing systems to incorporate those changes.

Local H & R Block District Manager Jack Markley says that tax preparation services must hold electronic returns until the start date when the IRS opens its online portal to accept filings. 

Markley also says that people who are claiming residential energy credits, depreciation of property or general business credits can expect to wait until late February to file since more extensive forms and processing system changes must be made.