As the federal government enters a shutdown, many Americans who filed for extensions on their 2024 tax returns are left wondering how the disruption might affect their looming October 15 deadline. Simple answer: despite the shutdown, those deadlines still stand — there is no automatic extension.

However, the shutdown does complicate things. The IRS is furloughing nearly half of its workforce, reducing its capacity for customer support, tax return processing, and error resolution.  Expect delays in getting refunds, longer wait times for assistance, and slower processing of paper returns in particular.  Moreover, even though the IRS is partially operational for e-file processing, many nonessential functions are on hold until funding is restored.

Critically, taxpayers who miss the October 15 extension deadline may still face penalties and interest for late filing, even during a shutdown.  Some leeway may exist if you can show a reasonable cause, but there is no guarantee those appeals will be processed swiftly amid reduced staffing.