IRS Suspends Taxpayer Services Amid Government Shutdown Furloughs
The IRS suspends taxpayer services, including call centers and administrative functions, as nearly half its workforce is furloughed due to the government shutdown, impacting operations.
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Overview
- The IRS is suspending critical taxpayer services, including call centers and administrative functions, directly due to the ongoing government shutdown.
- Nearly half of the IRS workforce, specifically 39,870 employees, is being furloughed, significantly impacting the agency's operational capacity and service delivery.
- Most IRS operations are currently closed, leading to widespread service disruptions, anticipated longer wait times, and backlogs for taxpayers nationwide.
- The government shutdown has entered its second week with no clear resolution, causing extensive furloughs across federal agencies, affecting approximately 750,000 workers.
- Furloughed and remaining working IRS employees are assured they will receive back pay once the government shutdown concludes, offering some financial relief.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by emphasizing the negative impacts of the government shutdown on IRS services and employees. They highlight the disruption to taxpayers and the hardship faced by furloughed workers, often through prominent inclusion of union perspectives. The administration's actions, such as threatening back pay denials, are presented without counter-explanation, contributing to a narrative of increased burden and uncertainty.
"The agency added that most administrative functions will also come to a halt, as will many planning activities."
NBC News"The IRS will furlough nearly half of its workforce as part of the ongoing government shutdown, according to the an updated contingency plan posted Wednesday to the agency website."
Fortune"The IRS will furlough nearly half of its workforce as part of the ongoing government shutdown, according to the an updated contingency plan posted Wednesday to the agency website."
ABC News"Every day these employees are locked out of work is another day of frustration for taxpayers and a growing backlog of work that sits and waits for the shutdown to end."
Associated PressArticles (6)
Center (4)
FAQ
Despite the shutdown, the IRS continues to process e-filed tax returns. However, services like taxpayer assistance and audits are paused, which may delay some operations. Individuals with extensions must still file by October 15, 2024.
About 53.6% of the IRS workforce, or 39,870 employees, are being furloughed.
Yes, furloughed and remaining IRS employees will receive back pay once the government shutdown concludes.
Critical services such as call centers and administrative functions are suspended.
History
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