Maria Salette Ontiveros
The Dallas Morning News
(TNS)
2/5/26 Update: Congress voted to end the shutdown, however funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) beyond next week is still in limbo.
As the federal government remains partially shut down, taxpayers are wondering if it will affect their tax refund. The short answer is yes, but not in the way many fear.
The U.S. House of Representatives is set to consider legislation Monday aimed at ending the partial government shutdown, with a final vote expected Tuesday, according to Reuters.
U.S. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said in a social media post Saturday that Democrats would withhold support for the broader spending package if it includes funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
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Democrats said they oppose the DHS funding bill because it does not include changes to immigration enforcement, such as requiring federal agents to show identification and follow a formal code of conduct, according to the Associated Press.
Core tax systems remain operational during a shutdown, meaning Americans can still file their tax returns and receive refunds, according to the Internal Revenue Service. Electronic filing continues, and most automated processing systems remain online, the IRS said.
The IRS said in an official statement that while its operations are limited during a lapse in appropriations, “core return processing and tax law-related activities will continue,” and regular tax deadlines remain in effect.
However, the agency also said that some services that rely on human staff may be slower than usual. That includes paper returns, amended filings, identity verification reviews and certain customer service functions.
Most taxpayers who file electronically and choose direct deposit are unlikely to see major disruptions, though some delays are possible depending on individual circumstances, according to the IRS.
Delays are more likely for people who file by mail; need manual review of their return; are waiting on correspondence from the IRS; or have identity or fraud-related flags on their account, the IRS said.
Even with limited operations, tax laws remain fully in effect and taxpayers are still required to meet all filing and payment obligations, according to the IRS statement.
When are taxes due?
The federal tax filing deadline for most Americans in 2026 is April 15. That deadline does not change because of a government shutdown, according to the IRS.
In its shutdown guidance, the IRS emphasizes that taxpayers remain responsible for meeting all filing and payment obligations, even if some agency services are limited.
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©2026 The Dallas Morning News. Visit dallasnews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Tags: 2026 income taxes, 2026 taxes, Income Taxes, IRS, tax refunds
