On Jan. 4 , I wrote a financial article I thought was both very important and timely. I simply suggested at the time that if the federal government did not open by Feb. 16, its own citizenry might take action against our own elected officials. Two paragraphs from that article reflected that sentiment:

First, I said, “Last tax season, the IRS had paid $12.6 billion in refunds to more than six million households by Feb. 2, 2018. By Feb. 16, the IRS had paid $101.2 billion to nearly 32 million households. And by March 30, the IRS had paid $212 billion to 73 million households.”

Then I said at the end of the article, “Our divided government is stubborn. But we’re sure the people are going to want to be paid their tax refund. We predict the shutdown might last a few weeks but based on current events, our government will be jeopardizing its own health if this is not resolved by Feb. 16 or the government might indeed need a wall to protect itself from its own citizenry.”

Since that article, the government is now temporarily open until Feb. 15. President Donald Trump has promised to both negotiate and say, “If there’s no wall he could shut down the Government again.” Democrats In Congress are willing to negotiate but they say NO WALL at all.

So our translation: Want your refund? Do your taxes now!

It is our belief, based on the current evaluation of events, that the government shutdown could happen again. The President says by Feb 16.

That means, if there is a shutdown, the IRS agency can go back down to 12 percent employment (which it was on the first shutdown). If this happens, and your tax file is in the middle of being processed, well my friends, that three-week time that the IRS tells you to wait while your refund is in process,  is over. Just based on the employment figures alone you are looking at a possible addition five weeks delay tagged onto the four  weeks for an 8-9 weeks (or should I just say 2 1/2 months) delay.

If an impending government shutdown is averted, then you could be looking at possibly then catching up 2 or 3 weeks but not with the expected backlog and the explosiveness of a tax season already in place–with new rules and regulations.

Translation: Do your taxes now.

Do you believe our President’s intent when he says, “We need a Wall”?  I do.

Translation: Do your taxes now.

Do you believe House Speaker Nancy Pelosi when she says, “A wall is a non-starter”? I do.

Translation: Want your refund now? Do your taxes NOW!

Professor Anthony Rivieccio, MBA PFA is the founder and CEO of The Financial Advisors Group, celebrating its 20th year as a fee-only financial planning firm specializing in solving ones financial problems. Mr. Rivieccio, a recognized financial expert since 1986, has been featured by many national and local media including: Klipingers Personal Finance, The New York Post, News 12 The Bronx, Bloomberg News Radio, BronxNet Television, the Norwood News, The West Side Manhattan Gazette, Labor Press Magazine, Financial Planning Magazine, WINS 1010 Radio, The Bronx News, thisisthebronx.com and The Bronx Chronicle. Mr Rivieccio is also currently an Adjunct Professor of Business , Finance & Accounting for both, City University of New York & Monroe College, a Private University. For financial assistance , Anthony can be reached at (347) 575-5045. If you would like a FREE copy of The Forbes Magazine 2018 Tax e-Guide just give our office a call. Feel free to visit their FACEBOOK Business page for past Financial Focus articles:  www.facebook.com/iwantmytaxmoney