Will 2017 be ready soon or must we wait?

When can I file for 2017?

Downloads for 2017 federal desktop software are currently available; online TurboTax became available sometime on November 30.  State software typically takes longer to be available, so do not expect to be able to prepare a state return until later in January (at least).

Some federal forms are not finalized yet pending tax law changes that are still being worked on.  Many state forms are likewise not finalized.

Do not try to prepare your return using your pay stub.  The information on your pay stub will not match the W-2 that will be sent by your employers to the IRS.  Trying to file early and then ending up having to amend because you used incorrect/incomplete information is counter-productive.  If your return is incorrect, and you have to amend it, it will take months for the IRS to process your amended return.

Employers, banks, Social Security, brokers, etc. have until the end of January/early February 2018 to provide you with the documents you will need to enter on your 2017 tax return.

The IRS will not be accepting returns until an as yet undetermined date in January.  They will not begin issuing refunds until at least mid-February.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-statement-on-2018-filing-season-start-date

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/get-ready-for-taxes-plan-ahead-for-2018-filing-season-to-avoid-refund-delay