AICPA Urges IRS to Maintain Full Operations and Suspend Collections During Government Shutdown

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) has asked the IRS to retain full staffing during the current government shutdown. However, the IRS has furloughed approximately half of its workers. In an Oct. 9, 2025, letter to the U.S. Treasury Secretary, the AICPA recalled the negative effects of past shutdowns, including the issuance of automatic collection notices when staff weren’t available to assist taxpayers. During the current shutdown, the AICPA recommends the IRS temporarily halt compliance actions and automated collections. It also encourages the agency to maintain all online systems and to provide targeted relief from estimated tax and late penalties.