Waiting on a 2020 tax return to be processed? If your tax returns from 2020 still has not been processed, the IRS said you should still file your 2021 tax returns by the April due date or request an extension to file. Tax Forms

The U.S.government may be partially shut down with no apparent end in sight, but the taxman never rests.

According to Internal Revenue Service guidelines, taxpayers who requested an extension by the April 15 tax filing due date will have until Wednesday, Oct. 15 to file without penalties - regardless of a shutdown entering its second week.

Although the IRS confirmed over 34,000 employees — nearly half of its staff — were furloughed Oct. 8, the agency’s shutdown contingency plan keeps some customer service agents at work.

“During a government shutdown, there could be impacts to IRS services,” Elizabeth Young, director for tax practice and ethics with the American Institute of CPAs, told CNBC. “However, electronic filing systems typically remain operational, so you can still file online.”

Here’s what you need to know about the tax extension deadline and the government shutdown.

IRS union warns of delays

The National Treasury Employees Union warned in a statement that taxpayers could face “increased wait times, backlogs and delays.”

“Every day these employees are locked out of work is another day of frustration for taxpayers and a growing backlog of work that sits and waits for the shutdown to end,” the union said.

Jennifer MacMillan, president of the National Association of Enrolled Agents, warned CNBC that those who need specialized customer service will face longer delays.

“It’s going to be a long haul,” MacMillan said.

How many people request extensions?

The IRS projected that around 19.8 million would request extensions this year, according to an agency report. The agency received over 20 million extension requests in fiscal year 2024.

The late payment penalty is 0.5% of a taxpayer’s unpaid balance per month, with a cap at 25% of the unpaid taxes. The failure-to-file penalty is 5% of unpaid taxes per month or partial month, up to 25%. For those with an extension, this begins Oct. 15.

Are there automatic extensions for some taxpayers?

According to the IRS, some taxpayers will automatically get extra time to file their tax return, even if they do not request an extension.

Members of the military on duty outside the United States and Puerto Rico receive an automatic two-month extension to file. This year, they have until June 16 to file. However, tax payments are still due April 15 or interest will be charged. Details are available in Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide.Those serving in combat zones have at least 180 days after they leave the combat zone to file tax returns and pay any taxes due.U.S. citizens and resident aliens who live and work outside of the United States and Puerto Rico get an automatic 2-month extension to file their tax returns, and this year, they have until June 16 to file. However, tax payments are still due April 15, or interest will be charged.Taxpayers in certain federally declared disaster areas may also have an automatic extension to both file and pay. Taxpayers in these areas are not required to submit an extension request. Information on the most recent tax relief for disaster situations is available on IRS.gov.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is the federal tax extension deadline impacted by the shutdown? Don’t get your hopes up.

Reporting by James Powel, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect