The consequences of a government shutdown are hard to predict. Although the 2018-2019 shutdown didn't hold up the start of the 2019 tax filing season, it did create significant backlogs and delays. The same could happen again as the IRS is currently operating with only half its staff. Another wrinkle: In July 2025, then-IRS Commissioner Billy Long said the 2026 tax season wouldn't likely start until President's Day (Feb. 16). That would be the latest start in recent history. However, the IRS has suggested that Long misspoke. Normally, the tax filing season begins on the last Monday of January.
