IRS furloughed as part of government shutdown

Most of the approximately 90,000 individuals employed by the IRS have been furloughed due to the government shutdown.  Many of the agency's functions have been halted, including customer service functions and non-automated collections.  If you are being audited and are scheduled for a meeting with an examiner you should assume it’s cancelled until the government gets back to work.“Essential” services are still operating.  These include processing tax payments, necessary computer operations, and the protection of statutory deadlines.  Taxpayers are encouraged to file electronically because most of these returns will be processed automatically.  However, refunds will not be issued during the furlough.If the shutdown continues for longer than five days the Treasury will reassess its contingency plan.  As we near the extended tax deadline it’s a particularly challenging time for IRS staff and taxpayers alike.  There are no plans at present to extend the deadline.Private businesses are still working, and Patrick & Robinson is here to serve you.  Contact us at 904-396-5400 or Office@CPAsite.com if we can help.  Also, visit our website and participate in our income tax birthday card contest; encourage our lawmakers to simplify the tax code!