LANSING, Mich. — New Worries emerge with the federal government shutdown, tax returns.
Right now, only 12% of IRS staffers are working through the shutdown.
Which means they don't have enough manpower to process everyone's tax returns.
Despite the shutdown, tax experts say you still need to do your taxes.
Nikali Luke with Simplified Tax and Accounting Services says there are two problems for tax payers during the shutdown.
"One is that during the shutdown they won’t release refunds, so even if you file your tax return until the government reopens, they won’t issue you your refunds. Number two, once that refunds start to come out, it will be delayed because again they are behind," said Luke.
When the government does re-open, when will people get their money?
"I think once the government reopens, we should expect two to three weeks before the IRS is ready to accept returns. Another two to three weeks before refunds will be issued," said Luke.
And what if the government shutdown continues deep into tax season?
"They have not addressed yet if the delay is deep into tax season, will they push back the filing deadline? My guess would be yes, although they have not made an official comment on will that April 15th deadline be extended, " said Luke
Tax preparers are not government workers, so despite the shutdown, they can still do your taxes for you.
