Government shutdown wont affect your 2026 tax return

The U.S. government may be partially shut down, but that will not affect your 2026 tax filing, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

Earlier this month, the government agency shared on its website that operations will continue per usual. That's because the funding lapse narrowly applies to the Department of Homeland Security and agencies that operate under it.

"Expect IRS operations to continue as normal with IRS offices maintaining regular hours, on-line self-service help tools available and other services continuing as usual," the IRS stated. "Taxpayers also should continue to meet any federal tax filing or payment obligations as normal."

What is the government shutdown about?

The shutdown, which began Saturday, Feb. 14, revolves around negotiations between congressional Democrats and the White House over DHS funding. Democrats are seeking reforms to immigration enforcement policies, in the wake of the shooting deaths of American citizens Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration authorities. They are declining to approve DHS funding without such reforms.

Their proposals include prohibiting immigration enforcement officers from wearing masks, requiring verification that a person isn't a U.S. citizen before detaining them, and protecting sensitive locations, such as schools, churches, and medical facilities.

What should I know about filing my 2026 taxes?

The IRS encourages taxpayers to consult its website featuring online tools and resources. The site offers instructions on how to file online and when to expect a refund (usually less than 21 days when filing electronically).

The Trump administration canceled the pilot program Direct File, which allowed eligible taxpayers to submit their return 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.

Lastly, taxpayers should strongly consider receiving any refunds via electronic deposit. An executive order signed by President Trump in 2025 directed federal agencies, including the IRS, to make payments electronically rather than issue paper checks.

While the IRS will still issue checks to taxpayers who cannot provide banking information, refunds could take longer in those instances. The IRS will first request their electronic deposit information or an explanation for why they can't provide it.

If the taxpayer doesn't respond to the IRS' letter, and their return has no outstanding issues, a check will be issued after six weeks.