IRS Forges Ahead With Processing Returns, Refunds During Pandemic

The IRS will continue to carry out “mission-critical” functions, including processing tax returns and issuing refunds, despite having to curtail operations during the new coronavirus pandemic, the agency said.

The IRS noted Tuesday in a new post on its website that it has closed many offices or reduced operations in areas hardest hit by Covid-19. Bloomberg Tax previously reported some facilities were forced to shut down last week after governors in states like California and Pennsylvania placed tighter restrictions on the types of businesses allowed to remain open.

• “As a federal agency vital to the overall operations of our country, we ask for your personal support, your understanding—and your patience,” IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig said in a statement.
• The IRS offered more details on the services that will and will not be available during the outbreak. The agency said it has temporarily suspended almost all face-to-face contacts with taxpayers, told people to expect delayed responses to mailed correspondence, and warned of long wait times on its phone lines.
• The IRS said it is assessing its operations on a daily basis, including “continuing to assess the impact of Covid-19 on a range of compliance activity across the agency.” The IRS will still work cases in litigation or being considered by the Office of Appeals.