The Journal of Accountancy published an article yesterday outlining the updates that the IRS released recently regarding how taxpayers should handle questions about audits, collections, tax season filings, Tax Court petitions, and Taxpayer Advocate Service cases that were affected by the shutdown.

The IRS explained on its website that IRS employees returned to work on Jan. 28 and are going through mail and voicemail messages, but that it will take several days for them to catch up. The guidance makes it clear that the IRS is not extending any deadlines due to the shutdown.

The IRS issued FAQs for audits, collections, and Tax Court petitions. If you are a taxpayer involved in any of these areas, or are a tax practitioner, please take a moment to look at them — they answer many obvious questions and will likely prevent an unnecessary call to the IRS.

Speaking of which, I was finally able to reach both individual and business IRS representatives at the Practitioner Priority Line yesterday — no more recorded message saying they’re not able to answer the high volume of calls! I made sure to thank each of them for the amazing work they’ve been doing in the face of so many challenges, and recommend you do the same if you need to give them a call.

Source: IRS issues updates on post-shutdown activities – Journal of Accountancy