As the shutdown continues, taxpayers should expect longer wait times and ramifications for the 2026 filing season.
On October 8, 2025, the IRS began furloughing staff as well as closing most operations due to the ongoing government shutdown.
According to an updated shutdown plan released the same day, the IRS is furloughing just under half its workforce, retaining 39,870 employees to continue essential functions such as preparing for the 2026 filing season.
The plan indicates that retained
