News Summary
Arizona is encountering significant disruptions in tax assistance services due to the IRS furloughing over 34,000 employees amid a government shutdown. With the October 15 tax deadline approaching, all Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) across the state, including major cities, have closed. This situation leads to challenges for taxpayers seeking in-person help, while concerns about processing delays and staff shortages mount. Officials are debating ways to support affected employees and restore services swiftly, as families relying on timely tax returns face increased anxiety amid the ongoing uncertainty.
Arizona is facing significant disruptions to tax assistance services as the IRS has furloughed over 34,000 employees due to a government shutdown. This furlough comes just days before the October 15 tax deadline, leading to the closure of all Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) across the state, including in major locations such as Phoenix, Glendale, Mesa, and Prescott. As a result, taxpayers seeking in-person assistance are unable to access these services at a critical time.
The IRS has confirmed that furloughed employees will receive back pay once the shutdown concludes. However, the ongoing situation has raised concerns regarding elongated wait times, tax processing delays, and backlogs, as the deadlines remain unchanged despite the staff shortages. The agency has warned that nearly half of its workforce will be idle, considerably affecting its overall productivity during this period of uncertainty.
Various officials, including the President, have acknowledged the situation’s impact on federal employees. The President is currently reviewing measures to support affected individuals and has requested a legal analysis regarding their entitlement to back pay amidst the shutdown. The House Speaker has echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need to prioritize the livelihoods of federal employees and ensure their financial stability.
In light of the current circumstances, Senate Majority Leader has stated that reopening the government is a straightforward solution for restoring payments to federal employees. Meanwhile, concerns have been voiced by Senator Thom Tillis, noting that uncertainty over back pay might prompt employees to seek work elsewhere, further complicating the situation.
The National Treasury Employees Union has criticized the federal government’s treatment of furloughed workers, portraying it as inadequate during this difficult time. House Minority Leader has confirmed that furloughed employees possess the legal right to receive back pay, while former House Speaker has pointed out that systematic firings of federal workers were already in motion prior to the shutdown, irrespective of its emergence.
These developments have contributed to heightened financial anxiety among families with deep-rooted ties to federal employment. IRS personnel have reported mixed messages and vague communications about their employment status, heightening fears of financial instability. The dual pressures of job security concerns and anticipated delays in tax processing could lead to challenging circumstances for many families relying on timely tax returns for their financial planning.
As the shutdown continues, it remains essential for involved parties to act swiftly to resolve this crisis, allowing affected employees to return to work and resume vital public services. Taxpayers are advised to stay informed on the ongoing developments while preparing for potential delays in their tax obligations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- 12 News: IRS Furloughs 34,000 Employees
- Today: IRS to Furlough Nearly Half of Staff
- KCTV5: IRS Workers Face Uncertainty Due to Shutdown
- Good Morning America: Most IRS Operations Closed
- Wikipedia: Government Shutdown
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
