Many Americans are worried about the impact of a potential government shutdown especially with regards to how federal agencies will be affected, particularly, the IRS. A shutdown can easily disrupt normal operations and activities making it difficult for taxpayers to get the help they require.
What services will be affected if the IRS shut’s down
When there is government shut-down, in most instances, there is always a significant drop in operation by most federal agencies including the IRS. During a government shutdown, the IRS may not be able to process most returns anymore including those filed electronically. However, keep in mind that important services might be offered by the IRS during this period but several unimportant tasks could be halted.
For the IRS, this means that some of its core functions will continue to run albeit with many workers being sent home. According to reports close to 60,000 IRS staff might not come back to work. This can, to a great extent, limit the agency’s ability to respond to queries on tax return and processing tax returns.
However, there’s a plan to prevent such a situation. According to a statement by the IRS commissioner Danny Werfel, “We have not experienced a shutdown in the middle of filing season”. Apparently, the IRS is prepared to work as a team to ensure that taxpayers have little to no issues filing their taxes and processing their returns during the tax season.
Will there be any communication challenges with the IRS during the government shutdown
Contacting the IRS becomes much more challenging when there is a government shutdown. With a few staff available during the shutdown, they might not be able to respond to calls or emails as quickly. This means that taxpayers are left stranded without any advice on how to file tax returns or solve any other problem they may have regarding their taxes. However, the IRS may want to concentrate on other important taxes while at the same time delaying others like non-emergency customer service issues and general inquiries regarding taxation rules and regulations.
Besides, the IRS has recorded improvement in response rates and service effectiveness in recent times. Nevertheless, they can still be affected if there is a shut down and taxpayers who may need assistance whilst filing their tax returns may find it difficult to get help.
The broader implication of IRS closure
A government shutdown doesn’t just impact communication with the IRS. It affects countless federal services that Americans depend on. From social security payments to federal loans, a shutdown can ripple through the economy, impacting everyday lives. Doreen Greenwald, president of the National Treasury Employees Union, pointed out, “A government shutdown is not a harmless, DC drama. Federal employees in every American community will lose income… and, in many cases, they will be locked out of doing the work they were hired to do for the American people.”
What you needed to consider in future
As Congress approaches funding deadlines, it’s essential for taxpayers to stay informed about potential government shutdowns and its implication with regards to IRS offices. The next major deadline is October 1, 2024, when lawmakers must reach an agreement to avoid disruptions. Being aware of this timeline can help individuals plan ahead, especially if they anticipate needing assistance from the IRS.
