Tax News IRS Update: The Government Shutdown and Your Taxes Read the Article Open Share Drawer Share this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Written by TurboTaxLisa Published Oct 2, 2013 - [Updated Aug 23, 2019] 2 min read The government shutdown that took place on October 1 left everyone with questions about how the shutdown will impact them. If you are one of the taxpayers that filed an extension, you may be wondering if the shutdown impacts filing your taxes. Don’t worry. We have you covered and have answers to your burning questions: Should I still file my extended tax return in light of the shutdown? Yes, you still need to file your tax return by the October 15th extended deadline. E-filing your return is the fastest way to have your tax return processed. Returns filed by mail will not be processed until after the shutdown is over. Acknowledgements will be issued by the IRS for e-filed accepted tax returns. You said paper filed returns will not be processed, but I have to mail mine. Will it be considered timely filed? Yes, although paper tax returns will not be processed until after the shut down is over, the postal service will still post mark your paper filed return. Any tax return postmarked by the due date will be considered filed on time by the IRS. Will the IRS shutdown exclude me from late filing penalties if I don’t file by October 15? No, the IRS still requires that you file your tax return by the extended deadline. I owe money on my 2012 taxes, what should I do? You should submit the balance owed electronically when you e-file your taxes. Payments received will still be posted to your account. If you have a previous balance due, you should submit the payment as you normally do. Will the government shutdown affect my tax refund? If you e-file your tax return, the IRS will still process your tax return as it normally would. If you are due a tax refund, it will be issued when the shutdown is over. Can I still check the status of my tax refund? If your tax return was processed before the shutdown, you can use “IRS Where’s My Refund?” to check the status of your tax refund. If you e-filed your tax return after the shutdown your e-filed tax return will be processed, however you will not be able to check the status of your refund until after the shutdown is over. I need to contact the IRS, but I can’t get through, what should I do? During the government shut down, IRS agents will not be there to take your call. At TurboTax we have you covered and are up to date with the latest tax laws. Our tax experts are available to answer your questions. For more information please view the IRS Announcement. Previous Post IRS Announcement: Tax Relief for Victims of Colorado Storms Next Post Government Shutdown is Over: IRS Will be Back to Work Written by Lisa Greene-Lewis Lisa has over 20 years of experience in tax preparation. Her success is attributed to being able to interpret tax laws and help clients better understand them. She has held positions as a public auditor, controller, and operations manager. Lisa has appeared on the Steve Harvey Show, the Ellen Show, and major news broadcast to break down tax laws and help taxpayers understand what tax laws mean to them. For Lisa, getting timely and accurate information out to taxpayers to help them keep more of their money is paramount. More from Lisa Greene-Lewis Follow Lisa Greene-Lewis on Twitter. 116 responses to “IRS Update: The Government Shutdown and Your Taxes” Newer Comments » Hey im Corey and I was in the bracket of ‘Identity theft’ I’ve done everything that I was told to do by an Irs rep, but I still haven’t received anything is it because of the government shut down. Just curious. Reply Are they still going to issue amendments in lieu of the recent shutdown and budget cuts that have taken place? Reply Hi Demesha, Do you mean tax refunds for amended tax returns? If so, yes they will still issue tax refunds for amended tax returns, but you may experience a longer wait time. Please see the IRS announcement regarding operations here http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Resumes-Operations-Following-Government-Reopening Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply I missed the October 15 deadline…I know I cannot efile…but can I use TurboTax to prepare..print and mail to IRS…HELP!! Reply Hi Chandra, Yes you can still prepare, print, and mail your tax return by using TurboTax. You can get TurboTax 2012 here https://shop.turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products.jsp Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply I have an installment agreement with the IRS and it’s deducted from my bank account automatically. During the shutdown, they didn’t draft my payment. What should I do? Reply IRS processed my return sept 30 2013 and the website says I will get a refund in 3 weeks. My question is will I still get my refund since it was before shutdown. Thanks Reply I need to apply for a payment plan and my taxes are due today but I can’t get a hold of anyone and the online automated system is not working. I can’t afford to pay the entire amount. Any advice? Reply Hi Lisa, I filed my taxes electronically and requested my refund through direct deposit. Will I still get a timely refund or will I have to wait until this godawful shutdown is over? Thanks, Ray j. Reply I am curious will the shut down affect our 2013 tax refund. Reply I want to know if the shut down will affect the 2013 tax refundl Reply I tried to to file at 10:57pm Pacific Standard time and I got an error message… It is now 11:07am in LA and I still can’t file… Please help! thanks ——— ERROR MESSAGE: E-filing is Closed for the Season Hi there, and thanks for visiting. E-filing in TurboTax is closed as of October 15, 2013, so we can get ready for the upcoming tax season. If you need to get your return filed, you can print and file by mail. Reply I’m unable to get pin numbers from the IRS online or on the phone. Is this due to the shutdown? When I use last year’s AGI, my electronic return gets rejected. Is this also related to the shutdown? Should I just mail my returns now? Reply Hi, The IRS states that automated applications will be available, but there are some that will not. See http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Operations-During-The-Lapse-In-Appropriations As long as you filed a return in 2011, you should be able to get a 2012 efiling PIN from the special IRS website or automated phone number. http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Electronic-Filing-PIN-Request If you did not file a return in 2011, however, you cannot get a 2012 efiling PIN. In that case, you would leave the PIN field blank and sign with an AGI of 0. See this help article for more information: https://turbotax.intuit.com/support/iq/File-Electronically–current-year-/Get-Your-Electronic-Filing-PIN-from-the-IRS/GEN12249.html Also feel free to call our agents at 1-800-4-intuit for more help. If these instructions don’t work, you can print your return and paper file. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply this happened to me too. Do i have till October 20 to mail in my returns now? Reply On Monday I e-filed using my PIN, my return was rejected saying the PIN or AGI didn’t match the IRS records. On Tuesday I e-filed again, at first trying to get a new e-filing PIN but both the IRS website and the automated phone line reported that they were unable to provide a PIN at this time so I filed using the 2011 AGI but again it was rejected for the same reason. So I guess I guess I’ll have to print and mail my return. Can I get my e-filing fee refunded? Reply If you efile on deadline and put in bank draft info is the tax considered paid late? or on time? Reply Hi Glenn, If you e-file the day of the deadline and include your payment, it will be considered paid on time. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply We filed for the October extension, but do to working out of state longer than predicted, all of our tax info…w2’s and such are at home. We will not be able to file today…what should we expect to happen for filing later than the extension?? Reply Hi, If you don’t file by today, you will receive late filing penalties. The penalty for filing late is usually 5% of the unpaid taxes for each month your return is late. This penalty will not exceed 25% of your unpaid taxes. If you don’t pay your taxes by the due date you will receive a failure-to-pay penalty of ½ of 1% of your unpaid taxes for each month or part of a month after the due date that the taxes are not paid. This penalty can be as much as 25% of your unpaid taxes. Please see this article for more information http://blog.turbotax.intuit.com/2013/04/15/facts-about-the-failure-to-file-or-pay-penalties/ Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply Hi, I cannot file my taxes via Turbo Tax until Oct. 18th, can you tell me what happens? Can I e-file with a penalty? Can I still file with TurboTax online on October 18th after the deadline? Thanks! Reply Hi, Sorry you cannot e-file after October 15th at 12:00 am your local time zone. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply e-filing actually closed at about 5pm Pacific on October 15th – I was surprised, I thought it would go until midnight. I hope I remember that next year. I had the same problem trying to efile before midnight EST. Finally got through to TTax on the phone and was told it was a ‘glitch’ in the desktop versions only. Had to re-boot twice and then had at least 30 extra seconds to hit the efile button. WHY wan’t this posted to their website when they knew there was a problem??? Would have saved me an hour and lots of grey hairs! When can I file my e-tax return? I don’t know what to do because it’s my first time. I am in default on my installment arrangement as I do not have the funds to pay. I have always called in the past and the IRS has worked with me, but now I fear thast I may get levied or something since I cannot speak to anyone. Advice? Reply Hi Barney, Please see the IRS notice regarding enforcement actions taking place during the shutdown http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Operations-During-The-Lapse-In-Appropriations Also, please see IRS other options if you have a hardship http://www.irs.gov/uac/The-%E2%80%9CWhat-Ifs%E2%80%9D-for-Struggling-Taxpayers Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply I have an installment payment agreement with IRS. The installment amount is taken automatically by IRS on 12th of every month. This month IRS did not take it. What should I do? Paul Reply Hi Paul, You can go online and make your payment to make sure the IRS receives the payment. http://www.irs.gov/uac/Pay-Taxes-by-Credit-or-Debit-Card Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply Tried to file all the taxes today, oct 15, and website says turbo tax is closed as of today. There should have been notification that TT would not process returns. This is ridiculous. Reply Hi JJ, Sorry you were experiencing problems when e-filing. Please go back in and try again. E-file should be working. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply It is 3:11AM Pacific Time on Oct 15th. I am trying to e-File my California return. My Federal return was already e-Filed, transmitted yesterday. When I came back just now to try to e-File, TurboTax (during the “pay for your state e-file” online process) presented a message saying “October 15: e-File is closed so we can prepare for the upcoming tax season”. WHAT? The 2012 season isn’t done yet! Not until midnight tonight! What gives? Reply Hi Jorge, Sorry you were experiencing problems when e-filing. Please go back in and try again. E-file should be working. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply I am a schedule c sole propriotor and I filed for an extension for the 2012 tax year but will not be able to make that deadline. I will file my taxes as soon as they are finished but I want to make a payment now because I will owe taxes. Can I just make a general payment to the IRS on their website and apply it to my return when I do eventually get it completed? Reply Hi Steve, Yes you can. There will be a place for you to enter taxes already paid in TurboTax. Try to make the tax deadline if you can so you don’t get a late filing penalty. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply Lisa, my name is Candice. I asked a question below but no one replied…. Can I get some insight please? i filed a 1040 x amended tax return in july. they received it july 20th. I’m supposed to get it back next week… What’s going to happen? Reply Hi Candice, I think your question is about a refund due to filing an amended return last July. If that is the question, IRS is not issuing any refunds at this time. They will begin issuing refunds after the shutdown is over. For more information see http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Operations-During-The-Lapse-In-Appropriations Mary Ellen Reply Hello Candice I filed a 1040x that was received on August 5th, I was wondering if you received your refund yet or any update about it from the IRS Reply Property taxes are due tomorrow (10-15-2013) Will the process of our payments take longer due to the shutdown Reply Property taxes are a state/local function. I don’t think it likely that the shutdown will have any effect on those payments and how they’re processed. Reply What happens if you file your taxes after October 15th? Are there fines? Reply I’m trying to print out my mother’s federal and state tax returns – and I’m running into problems. I need to mail these as I need to also send in form 1310. Please advise, or provide me with a help desk phone number that I can call into? Reply I filed an extension in April. I overpaid at that time. Do I have to write the IRS a note to let them know they owe me money even though the current (Oct. 15) return indicates that I owe the IRS? Reply Thank you for posting this information! I needed to know if my efile through TurboTax H&B would be accepted, or if I would have to print it out and mail it to get the USPS proof. Reply I did not file the adoption credit that I was due in 2011 taxes, so now I need to do a paper amendment to get the tax credit. I was informed that even when the government opens back up, that they will not be giving refunds back is this true and does this have to be done by Oct 15th or is that deadline for something else? Reply I’m due for refund. I need ITIN for my dependent but unable to get all documents due to govt. shutdown. 1. Can I file my return now without indicating dependent and later file an amended return with dependent? OR 2. Can I file my return after 15th October when Shutdown is over? Reply Hi, Filing now without your dependent and amending is your best option so you don’t receive late filing penalties. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply Thanks a lot. I have not be able to gather my documents for 2012 tax . Can I still file my tax after October 15 , and based on my assessment l am qualified for refund can I still get a refund if l file late? Reply The last day IRS accepts original efile returns is October 15. If you file on that date and your return is rejected, you will have a few more days to make corrections and resubmit. After October 15, you can print your return and mail it in. IRS will issue refunds on late filed tax returns if you file within three years from the original due date. You can file a return with the information you know, and file an amended return later to claim those deductions you aren’t sure about right now. Remember, IRS is not issuing any refunds during the shutdown period. Reply In my experience, if you file within 3 years, and you actually are owed a refund, you will get it and you probably won’t be penalized. Remember your state taxing authority may have different, possibly stricter rules. If you owe money, be sure to file ON TIME based on what information you do have, and then amend your return later. The late-filing penalties, when you owe money, can be horrendous. I think the IRS charges 25% of the amount due, each month, for every month you miss the deadline, with a partial month — even one day! — rounded UP! Yikes! Reply I filled my taxes around March-April of 2013 and I still have not revieved my refund. I just want to know what’s going on ? Reply Kenneth, Ar you sure your tax return was accepted by the IRS? Did you check “Where’s my Refund?” If you aren’t able to get any answers there, you will have to wait until the shutdown is over to contact a person at the IRS to determine the status of your tax refund. Thank you, Mary Ellen Reply I am trying to get an installment agreement approved. My tax notice states that my taxes are due by 10-14-13…. If the shutdown is not done by the 14th should I remove all of my money from my bank so that it is not seized? Reply IRS has suspended new collection actions during the shutdown and will resume them after the government resumes business. If your installment agreement is for the current year, IRS will not start aggressive collection activity without several notices to you. Thank you, Mary Ellen Reply hi Lisa I need my 2011 tax return detail from turbo tax how can get it Reply Hi Joe, Instructions for getting copies of 2011 returns can be found at TurboTax help center – https://turbotax.intuit.com/support/iq/Copy-of-Return/Access-2011-or-Earlier-Tax-Returns-Created-in-TurboTax-Online/GEN12469.html If you use TurboTax Desktop Software, getting your prior-year tax file is as easy as opening your return in that year’s version of TurboTax. Thank you, Mary Ellen Reply Hi TurboTaxLisa, I filed for extension last April. I am due a refund from my calculation (for sure) but I still have not gathered everything. Is it okay to file after October 15th? Or will I still get penalized even though the government owes me money. Reply Hi Sunshine, IRS penalties are based on the tax due after payments, so you would not have any penalties for filing late. But there are some tax benefits that are allowed only if the return is timely filed. It would be in your best interest to file the return by October 15. You can amend it later if you find you have more deductions to claim. Thank you, Mary Ellen Reply I believe that my paycheck has been garnished in error, I’ve been trying to call the IRS with no success….is there anything I can do? Reply Hi, I’m sorry, there is nothing you can do until the IRS shutdown is over. Mary Ellen Reply So because of the shutdown does this mean when I file taxes at my local turbo tax office or h and r block office they will not send me my money until the shutdown is over and government is open again? Reply I file my tax in September but I file through turbo tax. Will I get my return in 21 days. Reply Hi Paulette, If your tax return and refund were not processed before the shutdown, you will not receive it until after the shutdown is over. Hopefully your refund was processed before then. You can still check status of your refund at http://www.irs.gov/Refunds/Where%27s-My-Refund-It%27s-Quick,-Easy,-and-Secure. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis I missed my 200 arranged installment agreement payment on 10/28/13. Should I send it in now or am I ok until the shutdown is over. Also should I send my October payment in. Reply Hi Mark, Yes, per the IRS, you should still pay your tax liabilities via normal methods and your payments will still be posted. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply this shutdown is complete B.S.! All it is doing is screwing american citizens, so much for electing politicions and ousting them if they are doing us no good like the founding fathers who started this country. Thanks!!! Talk about a spineless government who is only out for themselves.!!! Reply I am trying to file 2012 taxes by Oct 15 deadline. Turbo Tax will not allow me to electronically file, and I get a turbo tax error trying to print and save my state return to PDF. My Federal return is saved and printed, why is the State having issues. I ran an error check and no errors. Reply Hi Melissa, Sorry you are having problems filing. It would be best for you to call our support at 1(800)4-intuit so you can physically speak with someone and they can walk you through the necessary steps so you can e-file your tax return. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply Hi Lisa, With regard to current income tax, what are we paying into and why if the federal government is shut down? How will this and can this affect my 2013 filing? Thanks, Karen Reply I have 4 years of returns prepared that I want to e-file as a self-employed individual (2009-2012), how can I submit this information, and get a confirmation on filing? Turbo Tax will not let me file, it is showing me an error. Reply Hi Duane, The IRS can only accept e-file for the current tax filing year up until the final deadline so you can only e-file TY2012. You will have to file 2009 – 2011 on desk top and paper file as the IRS closed it’s e-file system for those years. You can download prior years from here https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products.jsp Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply I have been paying my 2012 taxes through direct debit payments from my bank account. Will that payment still be debited this month? Reply Hi Adrienne, Yes, auto payments already in place will continue. Thank you, Mary Ellen Reply My taxes refurn was with the fraud departmebt but was suppose to be mailed out on october 4 . Will Istill iI still get my check Reply Hi Larry, Unfortunately, if your tax return was still in the fraud department and was not processed by October 4th, which was after the shutdown your tax refund will not be processed until the shutdown is over. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply I filed a return in feb 2013 it was delayed bc I claimed the education credit..im fully aware that about 600,000 others had similar situations claiming the education credit….. I have spoken to several irs reps who have continuously told me” your return is being processed” it is October ..8 months have passed and nothing but processing messages (wmr)….I read the irs has suspended auditing returns… does this mean my return will finally come out the depths of this black hole… im desperate for answers please help Reply Hi Terrance, The shutdown will not cause returns to ‘finally come out of the depths of this black hole”. When the shutdown is over, you can contact the Taxpayers’ Advocate’s office to see if they can resolve your concerns. http://www.irs.gov/uac/Taxpayer-Advocate-Service-6 Thank you, Mary Ellen Reply Checked the status of my refund and it said it had been delivered and returned due to incorrect address;however, my address used is the correct one. I don’t understand what happened? Now, no one is answering the phone to check the status or address Reply I received a notice is the mail today, 10/07/2013 regarding changes to my 2012 Form 1040A. As a result, I am due a refund. I did my 2012 taxes my paper and it was mailed ever since April 16, 2013. Does this me I won’t get my refund due to me, until after the shutdown is over??? Reply Hello I owe taxes and I’m on a payment arrangement does the shutdown affect me sending in my payment Reply I still dont gavé enough Money to pay what i owe, should i i file another extension. Reply Hi Karen, There is not another extension to file your 2012 taxes. You should still file them. Although there is a shutdown the IRS will still have record of receipt of your tax return and if you efile, the IRS will process your tax return. If you can’t pay, you can get an installment agreement to pay off what you owe once your tax return is accepted and processed. Of course, you won’t be able to get your installment agreement until the shutdown is over, but it is best to efile your tax return before the October 15th deadline so you don’t receive a late filing penalty. Please read http://blog.turbotax.intuit.com/2013/04/22/relief-if-you-filed-on-time-but-cant-pay-your-taxes/ for more information regarding installment agreements. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply I Never Received My 2012 tax return because of an identity theft situation. About 3 days before the shutdown I went to a local IRS Office and had everything straightened out and re-filed, will the shutdown affect me getting my return? Reply My return was accepted on sept. 27th will the gov. shut down still impact my return? will I still have to wait until the shut down is over to get my return back? Reply Hi Shay, If your tax return was e-filed and accepted, the IRS states that most e-filed tax returns will be processed, however refunds will not be issued until the shutdown is over. Please see the IRS announcement http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Operations-During-The-Lapse-In-Appropriations Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply If I elected to use part of my refund for the amazon gift cirtificate. When the Govt resumes do I have to call anyone at the IRS about my refund or will everything be automatic and emailed to me as usual? Reply The bad thing is I need to call the IRS to get a pin number, and nobody is picking up. Reply Newer Comments » Leave a ReplyCancel reply Browse Related Articles Tax News IRS Resumes Operations: What This Means For Your Taxes TurboTax News Government Shutdown 2019 Update: You Can File Now With … Tax News IRS Gives Tax Relief to Victims of California Wildfires Tax Tips Avoid the Post Office Lines This Year: e-File! Tax Planning Six Tips to Beat the October 15th Extended Tax Deadline Tax Planning Missed Tax Extension Deadline? 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Hey im Corey and I was in the bracket of ‘Identity theft’ I’ve done everything that I was told to do by an Irs rep, but I still haven’t received anything is it because of the government shut down. Just curious. Reply
Are they still going to issue amendments in lieu of the recent shutdown and budget cuts that have taken place? Reply
Hi Demesha, Do you mean tax refunds for amended tax returns? If so, yes they will still issue tax refunds for amended tax returns, but you may experience a longer wait time. Please see the IRS announcement regarding operations here http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Resumes-Operations-Following-Government-Reopening Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply
I missed the October 15 deadline…I know I cannot efile…but can I use TurboTax to prepare..print and mail to IRS…HELP!! Reply
Hi Chandra, Yes you can still prepare, print, and mail your tax return by using TurboTax. You can get TurboTax 2012 here https://shop.turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products.jsp Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply
I have an installment agreement with the IRS and it’s deducted from my bank account automatically. During the shutdown, they didn’t draft my payment. What should I do? Reply
IRS processed my return sept 30 2013 and the website says I will get a refund in 3 weeks. My question is will I still get my refund since it was before shutdown. Thanks Reply
I need to apply for a payment plan and my taxes are due today but I can’t get a hold of anyone and the online automated system is not working. I can’t afford to pay the entire amount. Any advice? Reply
Hi Lisa, I filed my taxes electronically and requested my refund through direct deposit. Will I still get a timely refund or will I have to wait until this godawful shutdown is over? Thanks, Ray j. Reply
I tried to to file at 10:57pm Pacific Standard time and I got an error message… It is now 11:07am in LA and I still can’t file… Please help! thanks ——— ERROR MESSAGE: E-filing is Closed for the Season Hi there, and thanks for visiting. E-filing in TurboTax is closed as of October 15, 2013, so we can get ready for the upcoming tax season. If you need to get your return filed, you can print and file by mail. Reply
I’m unable to get pin numbers from the IRS online or on the phone. Is this due to the shutdown? When I use last year’s AGI, my electronic return gets rejected. Is this also related to the shutdown? Should I just mail my returns now? Reply
Hi, The IRS states that automated applications will be available, but there are some that will not. See http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Operations-During-The-Lapse-In-Appropriations As long as you filed a return in 2011, you should be able to get a 2012 efiling PIN from the special IRS website or automated phone number. http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Electronic-Filing-PIN-Request If you did not file a return in 2011, however, you cannot get a 2012 efiling PIN. In that case, you would leave the PIN field blank and sign with an AGI of 0. See this help article for more information: https://turbotax.intuit.com/support/iq/File-Electronically–current-year-/Get-Your-Electronic-Filing-PIN-from-the-IRS/GEN12249.html Also feel free to call our agents at 1-800-4-intuit for more help. If these instructions don’t work, you can print your return and paper file. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply
On Monday I e-filed using my PIN, my return was rejected saying the PIN or AGI didn’t match the IRS records. On Tuesday I e-filed again, at first trying to get a new e-filing PIN but both the IRS website and the automated phone line reported that they were unable to provide a PIN at this time so I filed using the 2011 AGI but again it was rejected for the same reason. So I guess I guess I’ll have to print and mail my return. Can I get my e-filing fee refunded? Reply
If you efile on deadline and put in bank draft info is the tax considered paid late? or on time? Reply
Hi Glenn, If you e-file the day of the deadline and include your payment, it will be considered paid on time. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply
We filed for the October extension, but do to working out of state longer than predicted, all of our tax info…w2’s and such are at home. We will not be able to file today…what should we expect to happen for filing later than the extension?? Reply
Hi, If you don’t file by today, you will receive late filing penalties. The penalty for filing late is usually 5% of the unpaid taxes for each month your return is late. This penalty will not exceed 25% of your unpaid taxes. If you don’t pay your taxes by the due date you will receive a failure-to-pay penalty of ½ of 1% of your unpaid taxes for each month or part of a month after the due date that the taxes are not paid. This penalty can be as much as 25% of your unpaid taxes. Please see this article for more information http://blog.turbotax.intuit.com/2013/04/15/facts-about-the-failure-to-file-or-pay-penalties/ Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply
Hi, I cannot file my taxes via Turbo Tax until Oct. 18th, can you tell me what happens? Can I e-file with a penalty? Can I still file with TurboTax online on October 18th after the deadline? Thanks! Reply
Hi, Sorry you cannot e-file after October 15th at 12:00 am your local time zone. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply
e-filing actually closed at about 5pm Pacific on October 15th – I was surprised, I thought it would go until midnight. I hope I remember that next year.
I had the same problem trying to efile before midnight EST. Finally got through to TTax on the phone and was told it was a ‘glitch’ in the desktop versions only. Had to re-boot twice and then had at least 30 extra seconds to hit the efile button. WHY wan’t this posted to their website when they knew there was a problem??? Would have saved me an hour and lots of grey hairs!
I am in default on my installment arrangement as I do not have the funds to pay. I have always called in the past and the IRS has worked with me, but now I fear thast I may get levied or something since I cannot speak to anyone. Advice? Reply
Hi Barney, Please see the IRS notice regarding enforcement actions taking place during the shutdown http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Operations-During-The-Lapse-In-Appropriations Also, please see IRS other options if you have a hardship http://www.irs.gov/uac/The-%E2%80%9CWhat-Ifs%E2%80%9D-for-Struggling-Taxpayers Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply
I have an installment payment agreement with IRS. The installment amount is taken automatically by IRS on 12th of every month. This month IRS did not take it. What should I do? Paul Reply
Hi Paul, You can go online and make your payment to make sure the IRS receives the payment. http://www.irs.gov/uac/Pay-Taxes-by-Credit-or-Debit-Card Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply
Tried to file all the taxes today, oct 15, and website says turbo tax is closed as of today. There should have been notification that TT would not process returns. This is ridiculous. Reply
Hi JJ, Sorry you were experiencing problems when e-filing. Please go back in and try again. E-file should be working. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply
It is 3:11AM Pacific Time on Oct 15th. I am trying to e-File my California return. My Federal return was already e-Filed, transmitted yesterday. When I came back just now to try to e-File, TurboTax (during the “pay for your state e-file” online process) presented a message saying “October 15: e-File is closed so we can prepare for the upcoming tax season”. WHAT? The 2012 season isn’t done yet! Not until midnight tonight! What gives? Reply
Hi Jorge, Sorry you were experiencing problems when e-filing. Please go back in and try again. E-file should be working. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply
I am a schedule c sole propriotor and I filed for an extension for the 2012 tax year but will not be able to make that deadline. I will file my taxes as soon as they are finished but I want to make a payment now because I will owe taxes. Can I just make a general payment to the IRS on their website and apply it to my return when I do eventually get it completed? Reply
Hi Steve, Yes you can. There will be a place for you to enter taxes already paid in TurboTax. Try to make the tax deadline if you can so you don’t get a late filing penalty. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply
Lisa, my name is Candice. I asked a question below but no one replied…. Can I get some insight please?
i filed a 1040 x amended tax return in july. they received it july 20th. I’m supposed to get it back next week… What’s going to happen? Reply
Hi Candice, I think your question is about a refund due to filing an amended return last July. If that is the question, IRS is not issuing any refunds at this time. They will begin issuing refunds after the shutdown is over. For more information see http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Operations-During-The-Lapse-In-Appropriations Mary Ellen Reply
Hello Candice I filed a 1040x that was received on August 5th, I was wondering if you received your refund yet or any update about it from the IRS Reply
Property taxes are due tomorrow (10-15-2013) Will the process of our payments take longer due to the shutdown Reply
Property taxes are a state/local function. I don’t think it likely that the shutdown will have any effect on those payments and how they’re processed. Reply
I’m trying to print out my mother’s federal and state tax returns – and I’m running into problems. I need to mail these as I need to also send in form 1310. Please advise, or provide me with a help desk phone number that I can call into? Reply
I filed an extension in April. I overpaid at that time. Do I have to write the IRS a note to let them know they owe me money even though the current (Oct. 15) return indicates that I owe the IRS? Reply
Thank you for posting this information! I needed to know if my efile through TurboTax H&B would be accepted, or if I would have to print it out and mail it to get the USPS proof. Reply
I did not file the adoption credit that I was due in 2011 taxes, so now I need to do a paper amendment to get the tax credit. I was informed that even when the government opens back up, that they will not be giving refunds back is this true and does this have to be done by Oct 15th or is that deadline for something else? Reply
I’m due for refund. I need ITIN for my dependent but unable to get all documents due to govt. shutdown. 1. Can I file my return now without indicating dependent and later file an amended return with dependent? OR 2. Can I file my return after 15th October when Shutdown is over? Reply
Hi, Filing now without your dependent and amending is your best option so you don’t receive late filing penalties. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply
I have not be able to gather my documents for 2012 tax . Can I still file my tax after October 15 , and based on my assessment l am qualified for refund can I still get a refund if l file late? Reply
The last day IRS accepts original efile returns is October 15. If you file on that date and your return is rejected, you will have a few more days to make corrections and resubmit. After October 15, you can print your return and mail it in. IRS will issue refunds on late filed tax returns if you file within three years from the original due date. You can file a return with the information you know, and file an amended return later to claim those deductions you aren’t sure about right now. Remember, IRS is not issuing any refunds during the shutdown period. Reply
In my experience, if you file within 3 years, and you actually are owed a refund, you will get it and you probably won’t be penalized. Remember your state taxing authority may have different, possibly stricter rules. If you owe money, be sure to file ON TIME based on what information you do have, and then amend your return later. The late-filing penalties, when you owe money, can be horrendous. I think the IRS charges 25% of the amount due, each month, for every month you miss the deadline, with a partial month — even one day! — rounded UP! Yikes! Reply
I filled my taxes around March-April of 2013 and I still have not revieved my refund. I just want to know what’s going on ? Reply
Kenneth, Ar you sure your tax return was accepted by the IRS? Did you check “Where’s my Refund?” If you aren’t able to get any answers there, you will have to wait until the shutdown is over to contact a person at the IRS to determine the status of your tax refund. Thank you, Mary Ellen Reply
I am trying to get an installment agreement approved. My tax notice states that my taxes are due by 10-14-13…. If the shutdown is not done by the 14th should I remove all of my money from my bank so that it is not seized? Reply
IRS has suspended new collection actions during the shutdown and will resume them after the government resumes business. If your installment agreement is for the current year, IRS will not start aggressive collection activity without several notices to you. Thank you, Mary Ellen Reply
Hi Joe, Instructions for getting copies of 2011 returns can be found at TurboTax help center – https://turbotax.intuit.com/support/iq/Copy-of-Return/Access-2011-or-Earlier-Tax-Returns-Created-in-TurboTax-Online/GEN12469.html If you use TurboTax Desktop Software, getting your prior-year tax file is as easy as opening your return in that year’s version of TurboTax. Thank you, Mary Ellen Reply
Hi TurboTaxLisa, I filed for extension last April. I am due a refund from my calculation (for sure) but I still have not gathered everything. Is it okay to file after October 15th? Or will I still get penalized even though the government owes me money. Reply
Hi Sunshine, IRS penalties are based on the tax due after payments, so you would not have any penalties for filing late. But there are some tax benefits that are allowed only if the return is timely filed. It would be in your best interest to file the return by October 15. You can amend it later if you find you have more deductions to claim. Thank you, Mary Ellen Reply
I believe that my paycheck has been garnished in error, I’ve been trying to call the IRS with no success….is there anything I can do? Reply
So because of the shutdown does this mean when I file taxes at my local turbo tax office or h and r block office they will not send me my money until the shutdown is over and government is open again? Reply
Hi Paulette, If your tax return and refund were not processed before the shutdown, you will not receive it until after the shutdown is over. Hopefully your refund was processed before then. You can still check status of your refund at http://www.irs.gov/Refunds/Where%27s-My-Refund-It%27s-Quick,-Easy,-and-Secure. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis
I missed my 200 arranged installment agreement payment on 10/28/13. Should I send it in now or am I ok until the shutdown is over. Also should I send my October payment in. Reply
Hi Mark, Yes, per the IRS, you should still pay your tax liabilities via normal methods and your payments will still be posted. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply
this shutdown is complete B.S.! All it is doing is screwing american citizens, so much for electing politicions and ousting them if they are doing us no good like the founding fathers who started this country. Thanks!!! Talk about a spineless government who is only out for themselves.!!! Reply
I am trying to file 2012 taxes by Oct 15 deadline. Turbo Tax will not allow me to electronically file, and I get a turbo tax error trying to print and save my state return to PDF. My Federal return is saved and printed, why is the State having issues. I ran an error check and no errors. Reply
Hi Melissa, Sorry you are having problems filing. It would be best for you to call our support at 1(800)4-intuit so you can physically speak with someone and they can walk you through the necessary steps so you can e-file your tax return. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply
Hi Lisa, With regard to current income tax, what are we paying into and why if the federal government is shut down? How will this and can this affect my 2013 filing? Thanks, Karen Reply
I have 4 years of returns prepared that I want to e-file as a self-employed individual (2009-2012), how can I submit this information, and get a confirmation on filing? Turbo Tax will not let me file, it is showing me an error. Reply
Hi Duane, The IRS can only accept e-file for the current tax filing year up until the final deadline so you can only e-file TY2012. You will have to file 2009 – 2011 on desk top and paper file as the IRS closed it’s e-file system for those years. You can download prior years from here https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products.jsp Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply
I have been paying my 2012 taxes through direct debit payments from my bank account. Will that payment still be debited this month? Reply
My taxes refurn was with the fraud departmebt but was suppose to be mailed out on october 4 . Will Istill iI still get my check Reply
Hi Larry, Unfortunately, if your tax return was still in the fraud department and was not processed by October 4th, which was after the shutdown your tax refund will not be processed until the shutdown is over. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply
I filed a return in feb 2013 it was delayed bc I claimed the education credit..im fully aware that about 600,000 others had similar situations claiming the education credit….. I have spoken to several irs reps who have continuously told me” your return is being processed” it is October ..8 months have passed and nothing but processing messages (wmr)….I read the irs has suspended auditing returns… does this mean my return will finally come out the depths of this black hole… im desperate for answers please help Reply
Hi Terrance, The shutdown will not cause returns to ‘finally come out of the depths of this black hole”. When the shutdown is over, you can contact the Taxpayers’ Advocate’s office to see if they can resolve your concerns. http://www.irs.gov/uac/Taxpayer-Advocate-Service-6 Thank you, Mary Ellen Reply
Checked the status of my refund and it said it had been delivered and returned due to incorrect address;however, my address used is the correct one. I don’t understand what happened? Now, no one is answering the phone to check the status or address Reply
I received a notice is the mail today, 10/07/2013 regarding changes to my 2012 Form 1040A. As a result, I am due a refund. I did my 2012 taxes my paper and it was mailed ever since April 16, 2013. Does this me I won’t get my refund due to me, until after the shutdown is over??? Reply
Hello I owe taxes and I’m on a payment arrangement does the shutdown affect me sending in my payment Reply
Hi Karen, There is not another extension to file your 2012 taxes. You should still file them. Although there is a shutdown the IRS will still have record of receipt of your tax return and if you efile, the IRS will process your tax return. If you can’t pay, you can get an installment agreement to pay off what you owe once your tax return is accepted and processed. Of course, you won’t be able to get your installment agreement until the shutdown is over, but it is best to efile your tax return before the October 15th deadline so you don’t receive a late filing penalty. Please read http://blog.turbotax.intuit.com/2013/04/22/relief-if-you-filed-on-time-but-cant-pay-your-taxes/ for more information regarding installment agreements. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply
I Never Received My 2012 tax return because of an identity theft situation. About 3 days before the shutdown I went to a local IRS Office and had everything straightened out and re-filed, will the shutdown affect me getting my return? Reply
My return was accepted on sept. 27th will the gov. shut down still impact my return? will I still have to wait until the shut down is over to get my return back? Reply
Hi Shay, If your tax return was e-filed and accepted, the IRS states that most e-filed tax returns will be processed, however refunds will not be issued until the shutdown is over. Please see the IRS announcement http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Operations-During-The-Lapse-In-Appropriations Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply
If I elected to use part of my refund for the amazon gift cirtificate. When the Govt resumes do I have to call anyone at the IRS about my refund or will everything be automatic and emailed to me as usual? Reply