IRS

Less than a month has passed since the last government shutdown, but for a few hours early on Friday morning, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) used a Senate rule to shut the federal government down. It was a symbolic gesture, at best.

According to the contingency plan that went into effect during the first shutdown, about half the IRS staff – around 35,000 workers -- will be told to stay home. The other half will still punch in.

How quickly a taxpayer receives a refund also depends on when they file and whether they have requested a direct deposit of their refund, or a paper check. This is because during some time frames there is increased traffic, with more filers getting ...

The IRS started processing returns on January 29. The IRS will not start processing returns with the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) until mid-February 2018.

The shutdown of the federal government on January 20 only lasted two days. But another deadline is looming: Uncle Sam will close up shop again on February 8 if Congress doesn’t take further action.

The IRS will start processing most returns on January 29, but will not start processing returns with the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) until mid-February 2018.

If nominated and approved, Rettig faces an uphill battle in turning around the IRS, which has suffered in recent years from a dwindling budget and several black eyes, including the “Tea Party scandal” that unfolded under Koskinen’s watch.

A tax professional such as a CPA, EA or tax attorney can assist taxpayers in determining whether they are eligible for this and other credits.