Tax Filing & Government Shutdown - What You Should Know

Don't expect the October 1 government shutdown to allow taxpayers any extra time to file their 2012 returns. Individuals who filed extensions for the April deadline are still obligated to file their returns by the October 15, 2013 deadline, despite a temporary suspension of select federal government activities.

A statement on the Internal Revenue Service website posted October 1 stated that IRS operations would be limited due to the lapse in appropriations, but underlying tax law remains in effect. The website states that individuals and businesses should keep filing returns and making deposits with the IRS as required by law. The site also states that the IRS will accept and process all tax returns with payments but will not be able to issue refunds during the lapse in service.

In addition to a suspension in refund issuance, no live telephone customer service assistance will be available from the IRS. Its automated toll-free telephone applications remain operational along with most of the IRS website features. Walk-in taxpayer assistance centers are closed.

As long as the government shutdown continues, taxpayers with appointments regarding examinations (audits), collection, appeals, etc. should assume their meetings are cancelled.
IRS personnel will contact taxpayers to reschedule meetings at a later date.

Automated IRS notices will continue to be mailed; however, IRS personnel will not be handling any written correspondence during the shutdown. What you should know:

• Continue to file and pay taxes as normal. Individuals who filed extensions this year must file their returns by Oct. 15, 2013.
• Tax deadlines remain in effect, and regular payroll tax deadlines remain in effect as well.
• You are encouraged to file your tax return electronically since the processing of paper tax returns will be delayed until full government operations resume. Payments accompanying paper tax returns will still be accepted as they are received by the IRS.
• Refunds will not be issued until regular government operations resume.
• Tax practitioners, tax software companies, and Free File will remain available to assist with taxes.

What IRS services will be available?

• Automated applications on the regular 1-800-829-1040 telephone line will remain open.
• The IRS website, www.IRS.gov, will remain available, although some interactive features may not be available.
• IRS Free File partners will continue to accept and file tax returns.
• Tax software companies will continue to accept and file tax returns.

Henderson Hutcherson & McCullough, PLLC, will continue to keep you updated. Also, visitwww.irs.gov for more information as it becomes available.