Government Shutdown Resource Center
On Oct. 1, 2025, the federal government shut down all non-essential services and operations, leaving citizens and government employees in limbo.
After 43 days, the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, President Trump signed a short-term funding bill into law on Nov. 12, 2025.
Data shows more than 300,000 Virginians are employed by the federal government, and that's not counting the thousands who work for government contractors. Many VSCPA members were already affected by the shutdown: CPAs who need answers from the IRS for their clients, accountants working for the government, government contractors currently furloughed, etc.
Below are news, articles and resources related to the 2025 shutdown.
Looking for something more? We're here to help! Reach out to VSCPA Membership Director Julia Henderson any time.
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Is the IRS Just Between Shutdowns?
November 19, 2025
The IRS just came out of the longest government shutdown, but the deal that ended the stalemate funds the agency only through Jan. 30, just as filing season is about to begin. And that’s a concern for taxpayers and tax practitioners, two former IRS commissioners told reporters Tuesday at the 2025 AICPA National Tax Conference.
Shutdown Ends, But More Federal Chaos Looms for States
November 14, 2025
Though Congress ended the record-setting federal government shutdown, many questions remain for states that were already wading through seismic federal changes.
❔Frequently Asked Questions
All federal employees are guaranteed back pay once the federal government reopens, thanks to the Government Fair Employee Treatment Act, which guarantees back pay for federal employees for that and all future shutdowns (though not federal contractors). However, there are currently news reports that government officials are threatening to withhold back pay. We'll publish any updates to this issue as we get them.
The IRS was fully staffed and continuing all operations through Oct. 8, 2025. However, most operations are currently closed with nearly half of workers furloughed. The IRS updated its contingency plan, which operates through April 20, 2026. Will you be able to speak to an IRS employee if you call? Perhaps. Taxpayer Services is keeping more than 24,000 staffers employed.
Tax deadlines remained unchanged, according to our latest information. However, delays may occur in refund processing, customer service response, online account access, or in other items.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) will not approve new small business loans or modify existing loans for the 7(a) and 504 programs. You can still apply for loans through SBA’s Disaster Loan Program, but there may be delays.
Most reports are suspended along with government operations. At this time, we don't expect a jobs report, or information from the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, Securities & Exchange Commission, etc.
Some areas not affected from a government shutdown are:
- Essential public safety and national security services
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants Children (WIC) benefits (at least through October).
- Social Security (though payments may be delayed). 
- Medicare and Medicaid (though payments may be delayed). 
It's important to note that many federal employees in essential positions will be asked to work without pay.