Is the IRS Working During the Shutdown? Here's What You Need to Know
Hello, taxpaying folks! We know you're curious about how the government shutdown is affecting our beloved IRS. So, let's dive in and clear up some confusion, shall we? Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and is irs working during shutdown.
What's the Deal with the Shutdown?
First things first, let's briefly recap what's going on. The U.S. government shutdown, which began in late December 2018, was the result of a political dispute over funding for a border wall. This led to the temporary closure of several federal agencies, including the IRS.
Is the IRS Completely Shut Down?
Not quite, guys! While the IRS is indeed affected, it's not a full shutdown. Here's the scoop:
Furloughed Employees
During the shutdown, over 80% of IRS employees were furloughed, meaning they were temporarily out of work. These employees were not providing services, and their work was put on hold.
Essential Employees
However, around 12,000 IRS employees were deemed essential and remained at work. These employees are focused on maintaining critical systems and performing tasks necessary for the safety of life and protection of property.
So, What's Not Being Done During the Shutdown?
With the majority of IRS employees furloughed, several services and processes are on hold. Here's what's not happening:
Tax Returns Processing
During the shutdown, the IRS was not processing tax returns or issuing refunds. This includes both paper and electronically filed returns. However, this has since changed, and we'll get to that later.
Tax Payments and Filing Deadlines
Despite the shutdown, tax filing deadlines and payment due dates remained in effect. This means that if you're required to file a tax return or make a payment, you should do so as usual.
Customer Service
With most IRS employees furloughed, customer service was limited. This included assistance provided through the IRS's toll-free hotline and in-person help at IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers.
What's Changed: IRS Reopens for Tax Season
On January 28, 2019, the government reopened for three weeks, and the IRS resumed normal operations. This meant that the IRS started processing tax returns and issuing refunds. Here's what you need to know:
Tax Returns and Refunds
The IRS began accepting and processing both electronically filed and paper tax returns. This also meant that refunds started being issued. However, it's essential to note that it may take longer than usual for your refund to arrive due to the backlog caused by the shutdown.
Customer Service
With the IRS reopened, customer service returned to normal. This means you can now get help with your tax questions through the IRS's toll-free hotline and in-person at IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers.
What Happens Next?
As of now, the government is funded until February 15, 2019. This means that the IRS should continue operating as usual. However, if the government shutdown resumes after that date, services may once again be affected.
Final Thoughts
While the government shutdown did affect IRS operations, it's essential to remember that tax filing deadlines and payment due dates remained in effect. If you're unsure about your tax situation, it's always a good idea to consult with a tax professional.
Stay informed, guys, and happy tax filing!