HARRISONBURG, Va. -- The IRS had originally planned to start tax season on January 22, but they had to move things back because of the fiscal cliff debate.

If you're new to filing taxes or can't pay up front, H and R Block and other local tax organizations have programs for that.

H and R Block employee Judy Preston said new filers can fill out a 10-40 easy form for free.

If you don't have money up front to pay for help, the company, like other tax agencies, will take their fee from your tax refund.

Tax laws change and Preston said it's easy to get confused.

"The things have changed so much this year with credits extended some for two years some for five years some permanently. It's just very very confusing," Preston said.

Filing times are also different based on the tax credits that you claim.
Tax returns claiming the American Opportunity tax credit or the Lifetime Learning credit those are two popular education credit won't be processed until mid-february.

Roughly three million people usually claim those credits before that time, but this year they will have to wait.

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