The IRS says late changes to federal tax laws means it's delaying the acceptance of 2012 tax returns.

"The IRS has to scramble and reprogram everything. You can imagine what an effort that is," certified public accountant Brian Boswell said.

People have to wait until Jan. 30 to start filing their returns -- a delay of eight days. The IRS needed time to update its forms because of "fiscal cliff" discussions.

But Boswell said that does not mean people should wait until the new date to take action.

"We can certainly prepare the returns now if they have their information that's correct, but what we have to do is hold on to it," he said.

Experts say now the time for taxpayers to adjust their withholdings, if they are planning do it. They urge taxpayers to prepare now, not just for this year's filing, but next year, too. Despite the short delay, there will not be an extension to the April 15 tax deadline.