January has historically been a stressful month in my household as my wife battles the many forms it takes for us to comply with the tax code. I’ve heard many “early birds” express disdain about the inability to finish their taxes since the tax law is still being decided upon by the Legislature.

Many Iowans and tax preparers would like to see Iowa couple with the federal changes quickly so tax preparation can get under way. To that end, House Study Bill 38 passed out of subcommittee last week and was moved out of the Ways and Means Committee in bipartisan fashion on Monday with a vote of 24-0.

Some of the significant federal tax legislation enacted tht affect the 2012 and 2013 tax year include the following: