Due to Congressional action at year-end, taxpayers will need to wait to file until middle to late February if any of the following three categories apply:

• Taxpayers claiming itemized deductions on Schedule A. Itemized deductions include mortgage interest, charitable deductions, medical and dental expenses, as well as, state and local taxes and the state and local general sales tax deduction. Because of late Congressional action to enact tax law changes, anyone who itemizes and files a Schedule A will need to wait to file.
• Taxpayers claiming the Higher Education Tuition and Fees Deduction. This deduction is for parents and students — covering up to $4,000 of tuition and fees paid to a post-secondary institution — is claimed on Form 8917. However, the IRS emphasized that there will be no delays for millions of parents and students who claim other education credits, including the American Opportunity Tax Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit.
• Taxpayers claiming the Educator Expense Deduction. This deduction is for kindergarten through grade 12 educators with out-of-pocket classroom expenses of up to $250. The educator expense deduction is claimed on Form 1040, Line 23, and Form 1040A, Line 16