The IRS has announced that it will continue to accept tax returns despite the possible federal government shutdown. Taxpayers are still required to file their 1040 forms by the April 18th deadline. If the government shuts down after midnight tonight, the IRS will suspend the processing of paper returns, but will continue to accept electronically filed returns.
E-File will remain open for both individual and business returns. The IRS has urged individuals to file electronically, because most of these returns are processed automatically and should not be delayed. Because of limited IRS staffing in the event of a shutdown, paper returns will be accepted, but will not be processed. Taxpayers who file paper returns will experience a delay in receiving their refunds. Limited telephone customer service functions will remain available during any shutdown.
Tax Payments
Tax deposits and payments will continue to be processed, both for electronic and paper tax returns. Taxpayers should continue to make these payments as normal if the government shuts down.
Audits
The IRS will suspend audits during the shutdown, so examination appointments will have to be rescheduled.
Reason for the Shutdown
The shutdown may occur because Congress has not reached an agreement on a continuing appropriations bill to fund the government. Government funding officially runs out at midnight on April 8th. It is difficult to predict how long any shutdown may last. In the past, shutdowns commonly extended from a few days to a week. However, the 1995 shutdown lasted 21 days, the longest government shutdown on record—so far.
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