All last year, as we learned how messy and complicated the hastily drafted TCJA was, along with the absurdly redesigned 1040 forms, I warned that the 2019 filing season for 2018 tax returns would be a big mess.  Now, with the government shutdown, it is going to get even crazier for everyone, filers and preparers.

Since we are in uncharted waters here, uncertainty and confusion are the words of the Season.  I will try to post whatever useful info I come across on how to cope with this unusual situation.

Here are some resources I have seen:

The IRS official contingency plan for operating during the shutdown – 132 page PDF   

IRS’s Official Press Release on this situation.

Forbes Magazine’s much more concise summary of the IRS plan.

 

Tax Court is also delayed

The shutdown isn’t just affecting the IRS.  Its Tax Court has also been closed down, with trial sessions being canceled all over the country.  This is going to result in even longer delays in getting to trial than has already been the case for years. 

[Update 1/24/19]  From Politico:

IRS faces chaotic tax season amid shutdown

[Update 1/25/19] From Washington Post:

At least 14,000 unpaid IRS workers did not show up for work as broad shutdown disruption hits tax agency, according to House aides

[Update 1/26/19] From Washington Post:

IRS will need at least a year to recover from government shutdown, watchdog tells Congress