IRS To Start Processing Returns Despite Shutdown

Despite the government shutdown, the Internal Revenue Service announced Tuesday that it will start processing tax returns beginning January 28, and will provide refunds to taxpayers as scheduled.

On Monday, the White House announced it would allow the IRS to begin processing refunds.

In a press release issued Tuesday, IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said his department is committed to ensuring taxpayers receive their refunds.

Right now, some 70,000 IRS workers are furloughed and the IRS is basically closed because of the government shut down with only a skeleton staff working without pay.

Rettig announced Tuesday he intends to recall a significant portion of his workforce to handle the processing of returns.

However, if you want to talk to the IRS now, you will have to wait because their customer service call lines are closed until the shutdown ends.

Congress directed the payment of all tax refunds through a permanent, indefinite appropriation, and the IRS has consistently been of the view that it has authority to pay refunds despite a lapse in annual appropriations.

If you have already completed your return through a tax software preparer, that return is being held and won’t be filed until January 28.

And if you think the shutdown will give you more time to pay your taxes, think again.

The deadline to file your taxes and pay any tax you might owe is still April 15th.