Deadlines and Shutdowns

Extended individual tax returns are due a week from tomorrow, so if you are one of the few that we’ve not seen yet, we look forward to seeing you soon.

The effects of the Federal government shutdown are broad reaching, but as they relate to taxes the answer is a little murky.  The IRS is technically closed, so phones are not staffed, IRS offices are closed and any audits in progress are suspended until the government reopens.

That said, all filing and payment deadlines remain in effect, so all taxes need to be filed and paid as if the government was up and running.  All paper tax returns and payments made by check will be considered on time if postmarked by the due date.

The IRS will not, however, be issuing refund checks of any kind during the shutdown.

The system that sends out automated notices will also continue to run during the shutdown, so people may be put in the odd place of getting a notice but not being able to call the IRS and figure out how to resolve it.

We’ll keep track of what’s happening in Washington and bring you the tax related news as it becomes available.