IRS: Though Government is Shut Down, Taxes Still Due

The IRS initiates radio silence as the October 15 due date looms less than two weeks away for individuals who requested a 6-month extension of time to file their 2012 income tax returns. Essentially all IRS services will be unavailable until government operations resume.

During this time "no live telephone customer service assistance will be available" and "walk-in taxpayer assistance centers will be closed." However, for those masochists out there, the automated telephone system will still be available. As if that is some kind of consolation.


The IRS has been kind enough to remind us that although the current budget crisis has sent much of the IRS on an indefinite hiatus, your tax obligations are afforded no such luxury. From irs.gov:

"Due to the current lapse in appropriations, IRS operations are limited. However, the underlying tax law remains in effect, and all taxpayers should continue to meet their tax obligations as normal.

Individuals and businesses should keep filing their tax returns and making deposits with the IRS, as they are required to do so by law. The IRS will accept and process all tax returns with payments, but will be unable to issue refunds during this time."