Yes, extended returns are still due Oct. 15

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The Internal Revenue Service reminded taxpayers and tax professionals that tax returns that had been put on extension earlier this year are still due Wednesday, Oct. 15, despite the government shutdown.

With the federal government currently unfunded, the IRS has had to furlough half of its employees and shutter "most" of its operations..

"The agency reminds taxpayers that the current lapse in appropriations (the government shutdown) does not affect the tax filing and payment responsibilities of taxpayers," the IRS said in a public notice on its website.

More than 20 million tax returns are due to be filed Oct. 15, according to IRS estimates.

With returns due by midnight on Wednesday, the IRS recommends that they be filed electronically, (and that tax payments be similarly handled electronically), though taxpayers can still file paper returns, provided they are postmarked before the deadline.

Some taxpayers may have additional time to file, the IRS noted, including those affected by certain terrorist actions in Israel in 2024 and 2025, and people impacted by a wide range of natural disasters in the U.S.