What the partial federal shutdown could mean for tax season
As the partial shutdown of the federal government closes in on the two-week mark, a new worry has emerged: the possibility that some tax refunds may be delayed.
Congress and President Donald Trump have been in a standoff over funding for a border wall, while about 800,000 federal employees are furloughed or working without pay.
The House, now led by Democrats, passed legislation on Thursday night to end the shutdown; the President, however, could still veto it even if the Senate acts to approve it.
Right now, about 12 percent of IRS staff are expected to continue working through a shutdown, according to the agency's plan, which means certain functions such taxpayer questions would be curtailed. The IRS is still working on contingencies if the shutdown continues.
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Refund delays
A spokesman for the IRS would not speculate on how long the shutdown would have to last in order to result in a delay of refunds.
However, millions of taxpayers tend to be early birds and submit their returns as soon as they can. Households might need the refunds to help pay off remaining holiday debt or just to bolster their savings.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/taxes/what-the-partial-federal-shutdown-could-mean-for-tax-season/ar-BBRO5uS?li=BBnbfcN
