Although the U.S. government remains closed , taxpayers who requested a filing extension from the IRS earlier this year remain on the hook to submit their income tax returns by Oct. 15.

"Taxpayers should continue to file, deposit and pay federal income taxes as they normally would," an IRS spokesman told CBS News. "The lapse in appropriations does not change federal income tax responsibilities."

In a typical year, about 20 million Americans — about 13% of all taxpayers — ask the IRS for a tax filing extension, according to agency data . Extensions, which are provided automatically if a taxpayer requests more time, provide an additional six months to prepare and file federal returns.

An extension can help taxpayers who are facing complex tax situations or who need extra time to get

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