Tax experts highlight changes for the year as tax season ramps up

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Tax season has already started and there are some changes you should be aware of before you start. Kelly Klemaier with Kates Tax Service said there are changes in the amounts or limits of several different exemptions.

One of the big changes is no tax on tips and overtime for federal taxes.

"With the overtime, it's not the full amount of overtime," Klemaier said. "For overtime, you get paid one and a half times. The half time is the amount that you actually get to deduct."

She explained that an easy way to estimate that number is to look at the total you made in overtime and divide it by three. While it's not going to be exact, it will give you a rough idea of the amount that applies to the deduction.

In future years, the number will be included on W-2s. This year, Klemaier says you'll have to do the math yourself.

She also said the IRS is changing the way it is offering refunds. They are moving away from the traditional, mailed checks and pushing people to use direct deposit.

"What they are talking about doing at this point is using cards and sending them to people that don't have direct deposit," Klemaier said. She compared the cards to prepaid debit cards with the refund amount loaded on.

With these changes, Klemaier is encouraging people to get a head start on their taxes. There could be new documents or amounts you need that you have to track down.

In general, she said February is the best time for people looking to make appointments for tax help.

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