How a Government Shutdown Could Affect October 15 Tax Extension Filers

With the federal government facing the possibility of a shutdown, many taxpayers are wondering whether this could impact their extended tax filing deadline on October 15, 2025. Here’s what you need to know: 

The Deadline Still Stands  

Even if a shutdown occurs, the IRS has not indicated any changes to the October 15 deadline. Extension filers are still expected to submit their 2024 tax returns on or before that date. 

What May Be Affected  

While the deadline itself won’t change, a shutdown could affect how quickly the IRS processes returns and communicates with taxpayers: 

Delayed Refunds – Refunds may take longer to process if staffing is reduced. 

Slower Customer Support – IRS phone support and correspondence may be limited or delayed. 

Backlogs – Nonessential IRS functions (like audits, amendments, or appeals) could slow down even further. 

Short-Term Operations – IRS contingency plans cover only the first few days of a shutdown. If it continues longer, expect more disruption. 

Bottom Line  

The October 15 deadline will remain in place, but taxpayers should expect possible delays in refunds, processing, and support. Filing electronically is the best way to minimize disruption. 

The most recent government shutdown, during Trump’s first administration, began in December 2018 and lasted more than a month. It was the longest in U.S. history.