IRS limits services during shutdown

The Internal Revenue Service spelled out some of the services that will be limited or unavailable during the government shutdown that's now surpassed the three-week mark.

The IRS posted an update Tuesday, noting that tax refunds will generally not be paid during this period with one key exception. "For taxpayers filing a Form 1040, refunds will continue to be paid on electronically filed, error-free tax returns that can be automatically processed and direct deposited," said the advisory. 

The IRS noted that all taxpayers need to continue to meet their tax obligations as usual, but it's urging individual taxpayers to file electronically with direct deposit to avoid delays.

"During this period, the IRS will accept and process any payments and remittances received, whether received electronically or by mail," said the IRS.

Only limited live IRS telephone customer service assistance will be available, but most automated toll-free telephone applications will remain operational.

IRS walk-in Taxpayer Assistance Centers will be closed. For people who have set up appointments at a TAC, all the appointments will be canceled until the government reopens.

While the government is closed, appointments related to the Independent Office of Appeals or Taxpayer Advocate Service cases are canceled. IRS employees will reschedule the meetings when the government reopens.

But the IRS is still getting ready for next tax season despite the shutdown, even though much of its workforce has been severely curtailed. The IRS said it will be continuing some critical operations during this period before next tax season to get ready for taxpayers, including testing and preparation of filing season programs and related issues.