The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will begin accepting 2017 tax returns on Jan. 29, 2018. If this seems later than usual, blame the December passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Like many Americans, the IRS needs time to assess the ramifications of the new law.

This isn’t the first time the federal tax season has been delayed. Thanks to the “fiscal cliff” law, 2012 returns weren’t accepted until Jan. 30, 2013. And a two-week government shutdown in 2013 caused a delay until Jan. 31, 2014.

Remember, you can always have your tax return prepared before the acceptance date. Contact Doeren Mayhew’s tax advisors to start preparing your filing now and submit it at the proper time for you.