Tax season: It's baaack

I know I'm an odd duck. But I look forward to filing my taxes and eagerly await my W-2 forms.

For those of you lucky enough to have already received your W-2s, or to have an employer who offers electronic copies (I told you I'm a tax dork), you can spend Friday night e-filing your taxes.

The IRS launched the 21st e-filing season on Friday with the message that taxpayers who e-file have more accurate returns and receive refunds faster.

Last year, 70 percent of taxpayers nationwide e-filed their returns. In Minnesota, that number reached 76 percent.

While everyone can get to work inputting charitable donations and day care receipts, the IRS won't be able to process returns involving recently passed tax changes until mid-February. This includes itemizers and families who qualify for child-related benefits such as the child tax credit and college tuition credits. The IRS expects 9 million taxpayers to be affected by the delay. It sounds like a lot, but last year, the IRS received 141 million tax returns.

If you're using tax software, the programs will just hold your returns until the IRS is ready to accept them. But the Minnesota Department of Revenue has asked taxpayers not to file their Minnesota returns until their federal return is accepted.

Want to see if you qualify for free e-filing? Visit www.freefile.irs.gov. Taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $58,000 should find a free fit.

Two additional items to note:

Wisconsin and Minnesota tax reciprocity has ended. This year, if you work in Minnesota, but live in Wisconsin, you have to file two state returns, and vice versa.