Are you supposed to use the 2011 1040 instructions for the 2012 tax year?

Question

I have never been as confused and unsure about the filling federal taxes before as I do this year. Can someone please explain what is going on here:
1. It is now January 19th, and the IRS website says "Some 2012 tax forms, instructions and publications are not yet available..." What is taking so long for the IRS to do this? I am ready to do my taxes but it seems the IRS isn't.
2. There does not appear to be ANY instructions for the 2012 1040. Am I to assume the instructions for the 2012 1040 is the same as 2011? Or am I supposed to wait for the 2012 instructions to be published. It is not at all clear.
3. The IRS posted the 2012 1040 on January 10. I was ready to file the taxes on January 7, why would the IRS wait until Jan 10 to post a newly revised 1040 form?
It seems something is not quite right. Am I supposed to wait until there are instructions for the 2012 1040 or use the 2011 instructions?
Am I trying to do my taxes to soon or what?
Thanks.

Answer 1

No. You wait until the instructions are available or use commercial tax preparation software, such as TurboTax.



The IRS won't accept tax returns until January 30. So even if you are ready to file now, nothing will happen. If you are thinking about getting money fast, keep in mind that those rapid refund anticipation loans are very expensive.

Answer 2

You cannot use the 2011 instructions for a 2012 return. If you are filing a paper return, you must wait until they are finalized.



The 2012 1040 instructions and many forms are still being written. Late action by Congress has lead to delays, so blame them not the IRS. This has been all over the news for months.



The basic 1040 form has not been changed by the late legislation, however many supporting forms and schedules have been changed. Until all of those changes have been finalized the instructions cannot be published. Don't expect to see the final Form 1040 instructions until late Feb or early Mar.



The IRS is not processing returns until Jan 30. Filing a paper return before then may be possible if you had the instructions, however it would just sit in a pile at the IRS until they start processing on Jan 30. Since the instructions won't be available for at least another month and a half you won't be able to file a paper return at least until then.

Answer 3

They posted the form without the instructions so that you could start on the parts of the form that are self-explanatory and don't require instructions. For example, you probably don't need instructions to figure out how to spell your name, which is the first thing that the form asks.



1. Because Congress made some changes to the tax laws at the last minute and it takes time to make the changes to the instructions and publications so they match.



2. You are supposed to wait. They are not the same.



3. Because Congress made some changes to the tax laws at the last minute and it takes time to make the changes to the form so it matches the new laws.



You are supposed to wait. They are not the same.



You are trying to do your taxes too soon.

Answer 4

You are probably not reading the news. Because of the Fiscal Cliff commotions many IRS forms could not be published on time. The filing season is delayed too, it will officially open on January 30, 2013. Is it right? No. But you cannot force the IRS to start earlier, they are just not ready. Many forms will not be available even after January 30, 2013. So you just have to be patient and use 2012 instructions whey they become available.

Answer 5

Any one who has EVER done a tax return before knows you use the 2012 instruction books with the 2012 forms. No explanation is necessary.

Answer 6

My question is how does turbo tax have the correct instructions if for the 1040 if they haven't been printed yet. Not after a rapid refund, just want to get it done and know how much I owe.

Answer 7

No, the 2012 instructions just aren't ready yet.

Answer 8

The main thing is that the instructions have the tax tables for computing things, that is why I am sure there is this delay...SNAFU