2026 tax returns unaffected by government shutdown
The U.S. government may be partially shut down, but it won’t affect your 2026 tax return, according to the Internal Revenue Service.
Earlier this month, the government agency said on its website that operations would continue as usual. Indeed, the funding gap applies narrowly to the Department of Homeland Security and the agencies that operate under its umbrella.
“IRS operations are expected to continue as normal, with IRS offices maintaining regular hours, online self-service help tools available, and other services continuing as usual,” the IRS said. “Taxpayers should also continue to fulfill their federal tax filing or payment obligations as normal.”
What is the government shutdown for?
The shutdown, which began Saturday, February 14, revolves around negotiations between congressional Democrats and the White House over DHS funding. Democrats are seeking to reform immigration enforcement policies, following the shooting deaths of U.S. citizens Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration authorities. They refuse to approve DHS funding without such reforms.
Their proposals include banning immigration enforcement officers from wearing masks, requiring verification that a person is not a U.S. citizen before detaining them, and protecting sensitive locations, such as schools, churches and medical facilities.
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What do I need to know about filing my 2026 taxes?
The IRS encourages taxpayers to visit its website for online tools and resources. The site offers instructions on how to file online and when to expect a refund (usually within 21 days when filing electronically).
The Trump administration canceled the Direct File pilot program, which allowed eligible taxpayers to submit their returns directly to the IRS for free. However, the IRS Free File program is still available to eligible taxpayers who can take advantage of free tax preparation software to complete their return. Taxpayers can also access free online fillable forms.
Finally, taxpayers should seriously consider receiving any refunds via electronic filing. An executive order signed by President Trump in 2025 directed federal agencies, including the IRS, to make payments electronically rather than issuing paper checks.
Although the IRS will still issue checks to taxpayers who cannot provide banking information, refunds could take longer in these cases. The IRS will first ask for their e-filing information or an explanation of why they can’t provide it.
If the taxpayer does not respond to the IRS letter and there are no outstanding issues on their return, a check will be issued after six weeks.
