Sigma Tax Pro Reminds Taxpayers That the IRS Will Continue to Issue Refund Payments During Government Shutdown

Delray Beach, FL, January 22, 2019 --(PR.com)-- The IRS has recently confirmed that they will be issuing refund payments during this government shutdown. This is a change from the original plan laid out before the shutdown began, which stated that returns would be accepted, but refund payments would be on hold until the government reopens.

Recently, more than 46,000 workers have been recalled while on furlough in order to ensure critical processes remain in place and functioning, which brings them up to roughly 60% of their total workforce. This comes at the same time as the implementation of the new tax code, which further complicates matters. Due to the furlough, trainings for IRS employees on the new tax code have been postponed, and many support centers for taxpayers and tax professionals are either closed or understaffed. Last tax season only 4 in every 10 callers were able to reach a live operator to answer their questions, and this season that is expected to get worse.

One area of respite being offered to taxpayers this year is recently reintroduced refund advance being offered by all major refund transfer programs. These are advances borrowed against the refund and can be offered at no cost to the taxpayer. Ian Gardner, of Sigma Tax Pro reminds tax preparers that, “The advances are not always the best choice for every taxpayer, but for those that need it, it can really help get them through a tough time.” The desire for taxpayer advances has increased since the IRS announced two years ago that all returns with EITC and certain other credits would be held until at least February 15th, thus further delaying the refund payment.

Sigma Tax Pro provides a full range of essential services for tax pros. This includes industry leading software solutions as well as technical support, tax preparation support and client retention strategies. Sigma Tax Pro specializes in helping tax preparation firms expand their businesses, open new offices and increase their client base.