IRS Furloughs Begin Oct 8 — What You Need to Know
- Carina Luo
- Oct 9
- 2 min read
Beginning October 8, 2025, the IRS has furloughed nearly 34,000 employees—almost half of its workforce— due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. As a result, many IRS operations are expected to slow significantly or come to a complete halt.
Here’s what this means for you and what steps you should take now:
What Changes to Expect
Delays in IRS processing & correspondence
Many nonessential functions like responding to notices, manual audits, and paper return processing, will be suspended.
Call centers and live support largely unavailable
Telephone help lines and in-person taxpayer assistance will see significant delays or closures.
Refunds may be delayed
While direct deposits may still process, expect longer wait times and backlogs.
What’s Still Active
Online filing, electronic returns, and payments still active
Most e-filing systems and electronic payment platforms remain operational, so continue to file and pay electronically.
Tax deadlines and penalties still in effect
The IRS is not pausing deadlines. If you have an extension, your return is still due October 15, 2025. Failure to file or pay on time may lead to penalties.
What You Should Do Now
File and pay electronically
Use e-file and direct deposit to minimize delays and ensure proper filing.
Don’t rely on phone or mail-based interactions
Avoid expecting timely mail responses or phone assistance.
Review pending notices and deadlines
If you're waiting for IRS correspondence, chances are it’ll be delayed. Don’t assume inaction will fix it. If you received a notice prior to today, please respond as soon as possible, as processing delays are anticipated.
Preserve documentation
Keep records, receipts, and any IRS notices safe—some follow-up may be needed once operations resume.
Adjust expectations for timing
Be prepared for slower responses, refunds, and any request processing.
Plan your end-of-year strategies now
With IRS capacity limited, it’s best not to delay deferment or accelerated strategies.
As your tax advisor, we’re closely monitoring all IRS updates and will notify you promptly of any new relief measures, filing extensions, or policy changes that may affect you.
Stay informed, stay proactive! Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions, time sensitive tax matters, or planning needs. We’re here to help you navigate next steps with confidence.
Book a call with us today to review your strategy and stay ahead during this period of uncertainty.
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