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IRS CEO Discusses Taxpayer Refunds Amid Potential Government Shutdown


Americans can rest assured that their refund checks will be issued on time, even in the event of a government shutdown. This assurance comes from IRS CEO and Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano, who emphasized that potential disruptions would not affect refunds.

In a recent interview, when asked about the implications of a possible shutdown on Americans’ tax refund checks, Bisignano confidently stated, “There is no way.” He recalled the last shutdown, which lasted 43 days, asserting, “Our people will be in. These are unbelievable career employees that serve the American public.” He also noted that during the previous shutdown, all Social Security offices remained operational, providing essential services to those in need.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed this optimism regarding upcoming refunds, suggesting they could be “substantial.” In a recent appearance on “Hannity,” Bessent remarked, “We announced the tax season is now open. And we’re [going to] see substantial refunds for working Americans.” He added that changes in withholding could lead to larger take-home pay for workers, making this an exciting time for many.

A man's hands holding a U.S. Treasury check.

IRS CEO and Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano said Americans will get their tax refunds on time even if there’s a partial government shutdown. (Juanmonino via Getty Images)

As Congress approaches a critical funding deadline of January 30, the Democrats have yet to reach an agreement on a funding package related to the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for 2026. This bill is one of six in the funding package and is crucial for the operations of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

PREDICTION MARKET TRADERS PLACE ODDS OF GOVERNMENT SHUTTING DOWN AT 80%

A person holding a stack of money.

IRS CEO Frank Bisignano says Americans will get their tax refunds even if the government shuts down, insisting delays are not possible. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added that upcoming refunds could be substantial. (iStock)

While Democrats have expressed skepticism about supporting the DHS spending bill, the recent tragic shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minnesota has intensified opposition against the department and the bill itself. Previously, there was a tentative agreement between Senate Republicans and Democrats, which included restrictions on the agency and ICE. However, Pretti’s death has shifted the political landscape, leading to a rejection of the bill by Democrats.

Some Democrats have called for President Donald Trump to dismiss DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, with House Democrats even threatening impeachment proceedings. Despite the pressure, the White House has supported Noem, with the president asserting that she is doing a “very good job.”

U.S. Capitol at dawn.

As Congress faces a shutdown deadline, IRS officials say taxpayers will still receive their refunds on time. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added that refunds could be substantial despite the funding fight. (Al Drago/Getty Images)

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If lawmakers fail to reach an agreement, a partial shutdown could leave 78% of the federal government without the necessary funds to operate. The funding package, totaling $1.2 trillion, encompasses six bills that not only support DHS but also the Pentagon and the Department of Health and Human Services, among other essential services.

Despite the looming threat of a government shutdown, the administration remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that Americans receive their tax refunds on time, regardless of the political turmoil on Capitol Hill.

Fox News Digital’s Alex Miller contributed to this report.


Americans can rest assured that their refund checks will be issued on time, even in the event of a government shutdown. This assurance comes from IRS CEO and Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano, who emphasized that potential disruptions would not affect refunds.

In a recent interview, when asked about the implications of a possible shutdown on Americans’ tax refund checks, Bisignano confidently stated, “There is no way.” He recalled the last shutdown, which lasted 43 days, asserting, “Our people will be in. These are unbelievable career employees that serve the American public.” He also noted that during the previous shutdown, all Social Security offices remained operational, providing essential services to those in need.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed this optimism regarding upcoming refunds, suggesting they could be “substantial.” In a recent appearance on “Hannity,” Bessent remarked, “We announced the tax season is now open. And we’re [going to] see substantial refunds for working Americans.” He added that changes in withholding could lead to larger take-home pay for workers, making this an exciting time for many.

A man's hands holding a U.S. Treasury check.

IRS CEO and Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano said Americans will get their tax refunds on time even if there’s a partial government shutdown. (Juanmonino via Getty Images)

As Congress approaches a critical funding deadline of January 30, the Democrats have yet to reach an agreement on a funding package related to the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for 2026. This bill is one of six in the funding package and is crucial for the operations of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

PREDICTION MARKET TRADERS PLACE ODDS OF GOVERNMENT SHUTTING DOWN AT 80%

A person holding a stack of money.

IRS CEO Frank Bisignano says Americans will get their tax refunds even if the government shuts down, insisting delays are not possible. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added that upcoming refunds could be substantial. (iStock)

While Democrats have expressed skepticism about supporting the DHS spending bill, the recent tragic shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minnesota has intensified opposition against the department and the bill itself. Previously, there was a tentative agreement between Senate Republicans and Democrats, which included restrictions on the agency and ICE. However, Pretti’s death has shifted the political landscape, leading to a rejection of the bill by Democrats.

Some Democrats have called for President Donald Trump to dismiss DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, with House Democrats even threatening impeachment proceedings. Despite the pressure, the White House has supported Noem, with the president asserting that she is doing a “very good job.”

U.S. Capitol at dawn.

As Congress faces a shutdown deadline, IRS officials say taxpayers will still receive their refunds on time. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added that refunds could be substantial despite the funding fight. (Al Drago/Getty Images)

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

If lawmakers fail to reach an agreement, a partial shutdown could leave 78% of the federal government without the necessary funds to operate. The funding package, totaling $1.2 trillion, encompasses six bills that not only support DHS but also the Pentagon and the Department of Health and Human Services, among other essential services.

Despite the looming threat of a government shutdown, the administration remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that Americans receive their tax refunds on time, regardless of the political turmoil on Capitol Hill.

Fox News Digital’s Alex Miller contributed to this report.