In this joint Tax Section Odyssey and Journal of Accountancy (JofA) podcast episode, host Neil Amato discusses the impact of the recent and ongoing federal government shutdown on IRS operations and tax practitioners with Melanie Lauridsen, VP of Tax Policy & Advocacy at the AICPA.

The conversation covers the history and mechanics of government shutdowns, what we know about IRS contingency plans and the practical effects on taxpayers and professionals. Listeners can also gain timely insights into recent developments such as the transition away from paper refund checks and implementation of guidance and updates to forms related to the new tax legislation.

What you’ll learn from this episode: 

• Government shutdown impacts on IRS operations
• Important information from the IRS on electronic refunds and payments
• Updates on guidance received from Treasury and the IRS on H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, the law known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) implementation
• Concerns about IRS service levels in a government shutdown 

AICPA resources

·       Navigating the government shutdown

·       Client letter and FAQ for a government shutdown during tax season

·       Planning after tax changes

IRS resources

·       FY2026 IRS Lapse in Appropriations Contingency Plan

Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section Odyssey podcast includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices.

This resource is part of the robust tax resource library available from the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section is your go-to home base for staying up to date on the latest tax developments and providing the edge you need for upskilling your professional development. If you’re not already a member, consider joining this prestigious community of your tax peers. You’ll get free CPE, access to rich technical content such as our Annual Tax Compliance Kit, a weekly member newsletter and a digital subscription to The Tax Adviser.