Tax refunds will go out despite government shutdown

47 ABC – The government shutdown is in its 18th day and a main concern for many is whether or not the government shutdown will affect their tax returns. But the IRS says you shouldn’t worry.

The IRS says tax refunds will go out and the agency will start accepting tax returns on January 28th.

The acting director of the White House Office of Management and Budget said on Monday refunds will still be sent out during a shutdown.

The IRS plans to recall a significant portion of workers who have been furloughed to process tax returns.

47 ABC spoke to Thomas Hudson, a CPA from Twilley, Rommel and Stephens in Salisbury who echoed the same message. Hudson says, “So in the event that the shut down continues all through the end of the month of January, the IRS has come and said when individuals file their tax returns. The IRS does have the authority to issue refunds in the event the government is still closed.”

Maryland’s Comptroller Peter Franchot said, “Marylanders should go about their typical preparations to file their personal income tax returns. My agency is in direct communication with the IRS to monitor the situation. If there are any changes at the federal level, we will immediately notify taxpayers.”

This filing season marks the first one under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Hudson says it’s going to be a busy season this year because of this new law.

We’re told you should file your tax return as quickly as possible, so that there isn’t a chance of fraud.