Will a government shutdown delay my tax refund?

One way this potential government shutdown would be different than in the past -- there’s never been a federal shutdown during tax filing season.  Nor has the government been shut down amid the implementation of a massive tax code overhaul.

The Internal Revenue Service would lose an estimated 56 percent of its workforce to furloughs if the government shuts down, according to the U.S. Treasury. And it would be happening right when the IRS is updating its guidelines and software, while also fielding questions from the public about new tax laws.