Taxes

You can file taxes anytime after January 2 (the first being a holiday) and before April 15 as long as you have the W-2.

Employers are required by law to get their employees W-2 forms to them by Feb 1.

Probably not.  You have to wait until you have your W-2 in hand before you file.  Your employer is required to have them to you or postmarked no later than Feb 1, 2010 (normally Jan 31, but that's a Sun so it goes to the next business day).  Efiling with the IRS won't open until around Jan. 15.  You can file on paper before that, but the IRS won't be ready to process and it could delay your refund.

As above, if you have the W2. Keep in mind that the IRS is not accepting efiles until Jan 15. Some places are doing paystub loans, but would not advise it unless it is a dire emergency. Lots of expenses and fees.