What If The Government Shuts Down During The Tax Deadline?

The federal government is in the midst of a budget battle that could possibly result in a shutdown. What happens if it occurs on the tax deadline this year – April 18, 2011?

The IRS is, of course, a government agency. Given this, it will technically run out of money and close down if the federal government does the same this year. How could this possibly happen? Well, there is a stand off in the government over the budget as the politicians argue over how to slice up the pie, borrow more money and so on. While it seems unlikely the government will actually shut down, there is always the possibility. Many think it wouldn’t be such a bad thing!

The tax deadline this year is April 18, 2011. Why the 18th? The 15th falls on a Friday, which seems to make it an acceptable date for filing, but not this year. No, the Emancipation Holiday is extending things to the following Monday. Unfortunately, we are not being emancipated from our tax burden, but there you are. 

So, what if we all rush to file our taxes before the deadline and the government has ground to a proverbial halt? What then? Well, what answer would you expect the government to be giving less than two weeks before the deadline? Yes, you are correct. The government has NO answer as of yet! Ah, your tax dollars at work. 

Given this, how should you approach things? The best approach is to go with the safest strategy, to wit, just go ahead and file your returns certified. Then if anyone raises any questions, you can show you acted on time. What if you are going to file an extension? The same applies. The key is to be able to show that you’ve taken the action a reasonable taxpayer would. No, not drink heavily while filling out your return! Sending it in on time!