The Internal Revenue Service confirmed on October 21, 2025, that its customer service operations are sharply reduced due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. Live assistance by phone and in person has been suspended, though online systems for tax returns, payments, and account access remain fully available. The agency emphasized that all federal tax deadlines remain in effect, despite limited staffing.
The Internal Revenue Service stated that all local IRS offices, including Taxpayer Assistance Centers, are closed until funding is restored. Appointments for in-person help have been cancelled across the country, and no new appointments will be scheduled until operations resume. These centers typically help taxpayers verify identity, obtain documents, or set up installment agreements.
IRS phone numbers also remain active, but only for automated messages. Taxpayers calling the main line can hear recorded information about refunds, balances, or payments, but no live representatives are available. The agency noted that its call volume remains high and that normal customer service operations will resume once employees are recalled.
Without access to live assistance, many taxpayers who rely on these services for filing questions, notices, or account adjustments may experience delays. The agency recommends using online tools for faster service until normal operations resume.
The Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent organization within the Internal Revenue Service, is also suspended during the shutdown. This division typically assists taxpayers facing serious or unresolved problems such as economic hardship, refund delays, or identity theft cases. Its closure leaves taxpayers without a direct line of assistance for complex tax issues until government funding returns.
The loss of in-person help at local IRS offices and the pause in taxpayer advocacy services create added challenges for individuals who rely on personal guidance. Those who were scheduled for appointments will need to wait for rescheduling notices once operations restart. Experts caution that a backlog will likely form after the shutdown, resulting in increased wait times for appointments and responses to correspondence.
While phone and walk-in assistance are paused, the IRS online account remains operational. Taxpayers can log in to check their balance, review payment history, download prior tax return information, and view notices. Secure sign-in verification requires a personal identification number or driver’s license, ensuring taxpayer data protection.
The Internal Revenue Service confirmed that electronic filing continues without interruption and that direct deposit refunds for accepted returns are being processed as usual. Taxpayers who e-file and use direct deposit will receive faster service compared with those who mail paper forms. The agency recommends utilizing these digital tools to minimize delays and maintain organized documentation.
In addition to the online account, taxpayers can use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool or the Online Payment Agreement application to monitor their refund status, make payments, or set up payment plans. These systems provide self-service access to federal tax data at any time of day.
Tax professionals and accounting firms also remain available to assist with e-filing, compliance issues, and account questions. Experts say these channels offer other ways to manage taxes securely while IRS customer service operations remain limited. For most taxpayers, digital self-service platforms are currently the best substitute for live assistance.
The federal shutdown began after Congress failed to pass a fiscal year 2026 budget. Under its contingency plan, the Internal Revenue Service retains only essential employees responsible for maintaining electronic systems, processing payments, and ensuring data security. All other operations, including mail correspondence, audits, and customer support, are suspended.
Even with reduced staff, tax law remains entirely in effect. Taxpayers must continue to file and pay as usual, and all federal tax penalties and interest still apply for missed deadlines. The IRS emphasized that payment processing continues automatically for electronic submissions but not for mailed checks.
Past shutdowns have shown that service interruptions create months of backlog once funding resumes. The Internal Revenue Service expects similar delays in correspondence handling and appointment scheduling when regular activity restarts.
The IRS advises taxpayers to continue submitting their tax returns, making payments, and following all established filing procedures. Electronic filing remains the fastest and most reliable method for submitting returns. Paper forms will not be processed until staff return, which may cause long delays for those relying on mailed submissions.
Taxpayers expecting refunds should use online tools to track their status. Those who owe balances can use the Online Payment Agreement system to create or adjust installment plans without needing to contact the agency by phone. Both tools operate 24 hours a day and are secure alternatives to in-person assistance.
Tax professionals recommend checking the IRS website regularly for updates. Each IRS page includes a “page last reviewed or updated” note that indicates the most recent revision. Taxpayers should rely solely on official IRS sources, rather than relying on unofficial social media updates or third-party posts.
Once Congress restores funding, IRS customer service operations will resume gradually. The agency will likely prioritize electronic correspondence before reopening local IRS centers for in-person visits. Complete recovery of services could take several weeks, particularly for mailed documents and pending taxpayer advocate cases.
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