Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service announced new tax relief measures for employees at the Department of Homeland Security impacted by the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Under the policy, affected DHS personnel will receive an automatic 30-day extension to file federal tax returns, moving the deadline to May 15, 2026. The extension also includes relief from penalties and interest on taxes owed during this period.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the continued shutdown has created significant financial hardship for DHS workers, many of whom remain on duty without pay.
“As they continue to show up under extraordinary circumstances without receiving a paycheck, we are committed to ensuring they are not penalized for missing tax deadlines,” Bessent said.
The Treasury Department emphasized that the relief is automatic, meaning eligible employees do not need to apply or file additional paperwork to qualify.
Officials say the move is intended to ease administrative burdens and provide financial flexibility for federal workers navigating uncertainty during the shutdown, while continuing critical national security operations.
The announcement comes as lawmakers remain at an impasse over funding legislation, prolonging disruptions across federal agencies and placing additional strain on government employees and their families.
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