IRS mission-critical functions continue during COVID-19

The IRS is open and processing mail, tax returns, payments, refunds and correspondence. However, COVID-19 continues to cause delay in some services, such as:

• Live phone support
• Processing paper-filed tax returns
• Answering mail from taxpayers
• Reviewing tax returns, even for returns filed electronically

What to expect

Whether you’ve sent in a client’s individual or business tax return or are answering a letter, the IRS provides information on how long you may have to wait and what to do next based on the following actions taken:

• Filed an individual tax return, business tax return or amended return
• Received a bill or notice
• Answered a letter or notice
• Sent a missing form or document
• Sent a check to the IRS
• Requested paper tax forms
• Requested a tax-exempt sector determination, ruling or closing agreement
• Sent a third-party authorization or power of attorney form
• Need to file a form with a digital signature
• Received a failure to deposit penalty as an employer

Other services

COVID-19 operations and staffing limits have affected other IRS services. The IRS provides information on availability and processing times if you:

• Need help
  • IRS.gov
  • Automated phone lines
  • Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs)
  • Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS)
  • Practitioner Priority Service (PPS)
• Need to release a lien due to COVID-19 hardship
• Have a case with the Independent Office of Appeals
• Have a case with the Office of Chief Counsel

IRS enforcement and compliance operations

These IRS offices have resumed services:

• U.S. residency certification
• Compliance

To view the status of your action, visit the IRS website to check on your individualized needs. It is also recommended to check the site for updates.