If you’ve been nervously checking the news about the partial government shutdown and wondering whether you’ll get your tax refund on time, I’ve got some good news for you.
The IRS isn’t going anywhere.
Despite the political gridlock that’s left several federal agencies in limbo this February, the tax agency confirmed it’s operating at full capacity. That means tax season continues as planned, refunds are still being processed, and you won’t need to adjust your financial plans—at least not because of the shutdown.
Why the IRS Keeps Running When Other Agencies Don’t
Here’s something most people don’t realize: the IRS has a financial cushion that other agencies don’t. Thanks to funding provisions from 2022 legislation, the agency can maintain normal operations even when Congress can’t agree on a budget.
So while parts of the Department of Homeland Security, Defense, and Education face disruptions, the IRS keeps the lights on. Your tax return? It’s being processed just like it would be any other year.
When Should You Expect Your Refund?
Let’s talk about the question everyone actually cares about: when will the money hit your account?
If you file electronically and choose direct deposit, you’re looking at 21 days or less in most cases. That’s the IRS’s standard timeline, and the shutdown doesn’t change it.
Filed a paper return? You’ll need more patience. Plan for four weeks minimum, possibly longer if there are any issues with your return that need manual review.
Here’s my advice: don’t count on that refund money for any specific date. I know it’s tempting to earmark it for a down payment, a vacation, or catching up on bills, but the IRS itself warns against this. Processing delays can happen for all sorts of reasons—missing information, calculation errors, identity verification checks—and you don’t want to be in a bind if your refund takes longer than expected.
The Bigger Picture: What’s Actually Shut Down?
While the IRS operates normally, other agencies aren’t so lucky. The partial shutdown affects several major departments, including Homeland Security, which has been under intense scrutiny following a tragic incident last month. Two American citizens were fatally shot by federal agents during immigration operations in Minneapolis, adding fuel to an already contentious debate about DHS funding.
The shutdown started Saturday after senators passed a funding deal, but the House—on recess until Monday—hasn’t voted on it yet. Democrats and Republicans remain at odds over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, and until they reach an agreement, parts of the government stay closed.
Trump’s Legal Battle with the IRS
In a development that feels very on-brand for 2026, President Donald Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS and Treasury Department last week. The lawsuit alleges that both agencies failed to prevent his tax information from being leaked to news outlets between 2018 and 2020.
The suit, filed in Florida federal court, includes Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and The Trump Organization as plaintiffs. It’s a significant legal move that could have implications for taxpayer privacy protections moving forward, regardless of your political views.
What You Should Do Right Now
If you haven’t filed your taxes yet, don’t wait because of shutdown concerns. The IRS is fully operational, and the sooner you file, the sooner you’ll get your refund.
A few practical tips:
- File electronically—it’s faster, more accurate, and easier to track
- Choose direct deposit for the quickest refund delivery
- Double-check your return before submitting to avoid processing delays
- Use the IRS’s online tools to track your refund status at IRS.gov
The bottom line? Tax season 2026 is proceeding as planned. The shutdown is real, but it’s not affecting the one agency most Americans interact with this time of year.
