How Will the Government Shutdown Affect Tax Returns?

Unless you’ve been under a rock, you’ve noticed that the United States government has been shut down since December 22.
It’s still uncertain how long the government shutdown will go on. Of course, it’s tax return season as well. That begs the question, how will the government shutdown affect both the filing and receiving of your tax returns?

The Good News

Thankfully, there shouldn’t be an issue with your tax returns despite the government shutdown. In a press release issued on January 7, the Internal Revenue Service confirmed that it will process tax returns beginning on January 28, 2019 and plans on providing refunds to taxpayers on schedule.
 
“We are committed to ensuring that taxpayers receive their refunds notwithstanding the government shutdown. I appreciate the hard work of the employees and their commitment to the taxpayers during this period,” IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said in the press release.
 
The IRS currently has workers being furloughed as part of the government shutdown. However, in the release the IRS said it will be recalling a significant portion of its workforce, back to work.
 
That’s the good news. However, there are still partial hurdles that may happen due to the shutdown. For example, according to CNBC, there may be a lack of support with the IRS when you call them.
 
The deadline to submit 2018 tax returns is Monday, April 15, 2019 for the majority of the country. Taxpayers in Maine, Massachusetts and the District of Columbia have until April 17.
For more information on taxes, visit the Your Taxes section of the NFCC’s money management tips section.