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Homeowners will soon have the chance to start earning rewards points for paying off their mortgage every month. 
Bilt, a loyalty program designed to help members utilize their largest expenses for rewards points, is expanding its mission to make homeownership more attainable through a new partnership with United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), the nation's largest mortgage lender.
Starting in early 2026, UWM customers will be able to earn Bilt Points for every on-time mortgage payment, rewarding homeowners in the same way renters already earn points for paying rent.
Bilt CEO Ankur Jain said the new partnership with UWM will simplify the overly complex mortgage process by connecting members with local mortgage experts who can explain the real requirements and guide them through the process of qualifying for home loans.
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"It's so overwhelming and complex [the home buying process] that I hear over and over again... 'it's possible, it is too expensive," Jain told FOX Business. 
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When it rolls out, which will occur in a phased approach, members with loans originated through UWM will earn rewards for every on-time payment. Just like other Bilt programs, those points can be redeemed for travel, dining, fitness classes, and even eligible student loan payments directly through the Bilt website or mobile app, which is free to join.
UWM CEO Mat Ishbia called the partnership a game-changer for the mortgage industry, especially at a time when potential buyers are contending with an affordability crisis.
"By integrating Bilt into our servicing platform, we are reimagining how a borrower views and thinks about their mortgage payments, while also creating an unmatched lead generation tool and exceptional client engagement for brokers," Ishbia said, adding that "this will redefine industry standards, putting relationship-building at the center of mortgage servicing and elevate the wholesale channel to a new level."
HERE'S HOW YOU CAN EARN POINTS WHEN PURCHASING A HOME
Since founding Bilt in 2021, Jain has worked to reinvent the path to homeownership by helping members use their biggest everyday expense to their advantage, earning rewards and building credit along the way. But Jain said this latest move marks a significant milestone in Bilt's mission, noting that the question he hears most often is, "When can I earn rewards on my mortgage?"
After its founding, the company quickly gained recognition for helping renters earn points and rewards for paying their rent on time and for reporting those on-time payments to major credit bureaus to strengthen their credit profiles, making it easier to qualify for a future home. 
It's rapidly expanded since then, launching its neighborhood program about two years after its debut, which rewards members for spending at local restaurants, workout classes and through Lyft's rideshare service. In 2024, Bilt partnered with Walgreens to help consumers use their flexible spending (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA) for eligible purchases at the pharmacy chain. 
HERE'S HOW YOU CAN EARN POINTS WHEN PURCHASING A HOME
It also launched a program last year that allows people to earn points when purchasing a home, as well as a search tool on its website and app that enables prospective buyers to search for homes based on their monthly budget rather than the total price. The idea is to help buyers navigate the complexities of homeownership in a way that aligns with their budget. 
In April, Bilt expanded its rewards program, allowing members to redeem their points toward student loan payments through major servicers including Nelnet, Mohela, Sallie Mae, Aidvantage and Navient. Under the new option, every 1,000 Bilt points can be applied as $10 toward a student loan balance.
Through its partnership with American Campus Communities (ACC), one of the nation's leading providers of student housing, Bilt members can earn points on their student housing payments while simultaneously building credit history.

via: https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/how-homeowners-can-earn-rewards-points-paying-mortgag

Goldman Sachs beat Wall Street expectations for third-quarter profits on Tuesday, as its investment bankers earned higher advisory fees and rallying markets boosted revenue from managing client assets.
The bank's prediction for a banner year for dealmaking has materialized as corporations revive plans for mergers and listings.
Goldman's investment banking fees surged 42% to $2.66 billion in the quarter ended Sept. 30 from a year ago. Analysts were expecting a 14.3% increase, according to the average estimate compiled by LSEG.
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A Goldman executive said the firm advised on $1 trillion in announced mergers and acquisitions year to date, $220 billion more than its next closest competitor.
It advised Electronic Arts on its $55 billion sale to a consortium of private equity firms and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund this year, and also advised Holcim on the spinoff of its North American business Amrize, now valued at $26 billion.
Goldman also advised Fifth Third Bancorp, which this month agreed to buy regional lender Comerica in a $10.9 billion deal to create the ninth-largest U.S. bank.
ADVISORY FEES JUMP
The growth was fueled by a 60% surge in advisory fees, while debt and equity underwriting fees also increased. Rival JPMorgan Chase also reported robust investment banking numbers.
Goldman shares fell 1.8% in premarket trading after the results. The shares have surged 37% year-to-date as of Monday, reflecting the dealmaking rebound.
"This quarter's results reflect the strength of our client franchise and focus on executing our strategic priorities in an improved market environment," CEO David Solomon said in a statement.
"We know that conditions can change quickly and so we remain focused on strong risk management," he said, echoing cautious optimism from JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon.
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Global M&A volumes for the first nine months of the year crossed $3.43 trillion, with nearly 48% of it in the U.S., according to data from Dealogic.
The period also saw the highest average M&A volume globally and in the U.S. since 2015, in line with Solomon's prediction at last year's Reuters NEXT conference.
Goldman was among the joint book-running managers on marquee initial public offerings in the quarter, including design software firm Figma, Swedish fintech Klarna, and space tech firm Firefly Aerospace.
Overall quarterly profit was $4.1 billion, or $12.25 per share, exceeding Wall Street expectations of $11 per share.
"The capital markets machine has clearly shifted into a higher gear, with robust stock prices, a reduced regulatory burden, and the prospect of lower interest rates likely to keep the momentum going," said Stephen Biggar, a banking analyst at Argus Research.
Goldman executives have been increasingly optimistic about dealmaking in recent months, with Solomon saying in September it had one of its busiest weeks for IPOs in more than four years.
ASSET AND WEALTH MANAGEMENT FOCUS
Revenue from asset and wealth management rose 17% to $4.4 billion, marking the first quarterly jump this year for the segment. This reflected record-high management fees, as well as private banking and lending revenue.
The business is a key priority for Goldman as it seeks steadier revenue from fees, which offset the volatility in its advisory and trading businesses.
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Goldman said last month it would take a stake worth as much as $1 billion in T. Rowe Price, as part of a partnership to tap the asset manager's retirement money for alternative assets.
Assets under supervision climbed to $3.45 trillion, boosting management fees by 12%.
Goldman set aside $339 million as provisions for credit losses, compared with $397 million a year ago. The provisions were mainly related to its credit card portfolio.
SUSTAINED TRADING RESILIENCE
Wall Street trading desks have reaped rewards from record volatility as clients rejig portfolios to keep pace with changes in President Donald Trump's trade, foreign and fiscal policies.
The third quarter, however, remained one of Wall Street's calmest quarters in nearly six years as an interest-rate cut from the Federal Reserve and robust AI investment pushed major U.S. stock indexes to record highs.
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Still, Goldman's equities trading revenue rose 7% to $3.74 billion, fueled by higher revenue in financing, which offset lower revenue from cash equities.
Fixed income, currency and commodities hauled in $3.47 billion, 17% higher than a year ago.

via: https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/goldmans-profit-beats-estimates-dealmaking-rebound-boosts-investment-bankin

JPMorgan Chase raised its full-year forecast for net interest income on Tuesday, after strong performance in its trading and investment banking businesses helped it beat expectations for third-quarter profit.
Economic resilience despite tariff war risks and hopes of U.S. interest rate cuts have prompted companies to strike big deals and consider stock offerings, lifting investment banking business across Wall Street, with dealmakers expecting an even stronger 2026.
"While there have been some signs of a softening, particularly in job growth, the U.S. economy generally remained resilient," CEO Jamie Dimon said in a statement.
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"However, there continues to be a heightened degree of uncertainty stemming from complex geopolitical conditions, tariffs and trade uncertainty, elevated asset prices and the risk of sticky inflation," he added.
The bank's traders capitalized on portfolio repositioning by their clients as equity markets hit record levels during the quarter.
Revenue from the markets division, which includes both equities and fixed-income trading, rose 25% to $8.9 billion to a third-quarter record, far surpassing an earlier estimate.
NII BOOST
Large banks such as JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America can help feel the pulse of the U.S. economy by offering insights into consumer spending, borrowing and business activity.
Net interest income, or the difference between what banks earn on loans and pay out on deposits, continues to prop up industry earnings.
JPMorgan revised its interest income forecast for the year. It now expects NII of roughly $95.8 billion for 2025, compared with an earlier estimate of $95.5 billion. It had raised its forecast in July as well.
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Analysts, on average, had expected $95.4 billion, according to estimates compiled by LSEG.
Industry executives have said consumers remain in good financial shape, helped by a strong labor market and rising wages. That has also meant regular debt payments and steady demand for new loans.
At JPMorgan, NII rose 2% in the third quarter to $24.1 billion. Meanwhile, for the fourth quarter, it expects its interest income to be $23.5 billion, excluding markets.
It expects interest income, excluding markets, of $95 billion in 2026, driven by balance sheet growth and partially offset by the impact of lower rates.
It reported a profit of $5.07 per share for the latest quarter, comfortably beating analysts' estimates of $4.84 per share.
Rival Wells Fargo also beat Wall Street estimates for third-quarter profit on Tuesday.
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Corporate dealmaking has picked up sharply this year after a brief slowdown in April as corporates look to take advantage of a booming stock market.
Investment banking fees at JPMorgan rose 16% in the third quarter. Meanwhile, trading revenue also soared at a time when economic uncertainty remains.
JPMorgan collected the most investment banking fees among its rivals so far this year, according to analytics firm Dealogic.
Stocks hit all-time highs during the quarter, lifted by optimism around U.S. interest rate cuts and strong corporate earnings from top technology companies.
Revenue from equities business jumped 33% to $3.3 billion in the third quarter, while that from fixed income surged 21% to $5.6 billion, largely driven by higher revenue in rates, credit and the securitized products.
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Looking ahead, uncertainty about interest rates and the ongoing U.S. government shutdown could reignite market volatility, benefiting Wall Street trading desks.
As the government shutdown delays the release of key economic indicators, investors will focus on remarks from CEOs of major companies, including Dimon, for their insight on the economy.
Earlier this week, JPMorgan announced plans to hire bankers and invest up to $10 billion in U.S. companies critical to national security and economic resilience as part of a broader $1.5 trillion pledge.
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The bank's overall revenue rose 9% to $47.1 billion in the quarter.
Shares of JPMorgan were little changed in volatile trading before the bell.

via: https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/jpmorgan-lifts-interest-income-forecast-after-profit-beats-estimate

Some major airports across the U.S. are refusing to play a video featuring Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem blaming Democrats for the government shutdown that has prompted significant flight delays.
Those airports are in Las Vegas, Phoenix, Seattle, Portland, Ore., Charlotte, N.C., and Cleveland, Ohio, according to reports. Three airports in New York are also reportedly refusing to play the video.
"Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government and, because of this, many of our operations are impacted and most of our TSA employees are working without pay," Noem said in the 37-second video obtained by Fox News.
The two northwest airports, Seattle-Tacoma (Sea-Tac) and Portland, told local FOX 13 Seattle their reasons for not playing the video.
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Staff at Sea-Tac told the TV station that they support bipartisan efforts to end the shutdown and that they are working to support unpaid employees.
Portland airport staff released a statement obtained by FOX 13 saying they did not consent to airing the video because they believe it violates the Hatch Act and Oregon state law, which both prohibit government employees from engaging in partisan political activities. 
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Some 13,000 air traffic controllers and about 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers must still turn up for work during the government shutdown, but they are not being paid, Reuters reported.
They are set to get a partial paycheck this week for work done before the shutdown began.
Republican and Democratic leaders both blame the other side for the shutdown, which started Oct. 1 after Congress failed to approve new spending legislation.
"Every day that Republicans refuse to negotiate to end this shutdown, the worse it gets for Americans, and the clearer it becomes who's fighting for them," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said.
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In 2019, during a 35-day shutdown, the number of absences by controllers and TSA officers rose as workers missed paychecks, extending checkpoint wait times at some airports. Authorities then were forced to slow air traffic in New York, which put pressure on lawmakers to quickly end the standoff.
Reuters contributed to this report. 

via: https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/some-airports-refuse-display-kristi-noem-tsa-government-shutdown-vide

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon on Monday announced the firm is moving forward with a $1.5 trillion plan to invest in industries critical to national security, which he said is critical for the world's security.
The firm's Security and Resilience Initiative will invest the $1.5 trillion over a decade, and will include direct equity and venture capital investments of up to $10 billion to help select companies primarily located in the U.S. for the purpose of boosting strategic industries.
Dimon said the initiative aims to improve global security by making the U.S. more resilient in strategic industries, explaining on a press call about the initiative that, "You need America to be very, very strong to secure global security."
"If America isn't very strong, there's no global security, so it is the key to getting it all done," Dimon said. "Doesn't mean you can't help other countries and other industries do the same kind of stuff."
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Dimon noted as an example that JPMorgan has worked on improving Europe's supply chain for liquefied natural gas (LNG), a critical energy source that the U.S. has become one of the world's leading exporters of, as the continent looks to reduce reliance on Russian LNG.
JPMorgan's $10 billion in equity capital could be deployed as venture capital or investments in smaller companies or middle market companies looking to accelerate their growth and build new facilities, Dimon noted. He explained that he sees more funding going to smaller and middle market companies.
Dimon pointed to his chairman's letter from last year - in which he stressed the importance of national security issues like energy resiliency, national resiliency and economic strength - as helping prompt those conversations about investing in those strategic areas.
"This was an internal effort started by a lot of us talking about things we can do to help the United States of America's resiliency," he noted.
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Dimon emphasized that JPMorgan's investment won't be philanthropic in nature, and the bank expects to see a return on investment through the initiative given the focus by investors and the government on security and resiliency.
"This is not philanthropy. This is 100% commercial. We're going to take our resources of research bankers and investors, and we are going to scour the United States and maybe the world for new opportunities," he explained.
"There are plenty, because a lot of venture capital is going to this area. A lot of government focus is going to this area. There's going to be a lot more money spent down the road on drones and ships and autonomous vehicles, stuff like that. It's 100% commercial," Dimon said.
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"We do not expect lower commercial returns. If there's philanthropy attached to it, it will be very specific. For example, if there are identified training needs for welders in a certain part of the world, we may have our lending teams go in and help finance a local vendor... that educates people how to do welding," he explained.
Dimon and other JPMorgan executives on the press call, including asset and wealth management CEO Mary Erdoes and commercial and investment banking co-CEO Doug Petno, noted that any philanthropy provided would be additive to the initiative on top of the firm's $1.5 trillion announcement.
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Dimon said that Erdoes and Petno will oversee the initiative, and JPMorgan will hire an investment team to implement it.

via: https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/jpmorgans-jamie-dimon-world-needs-america-strong-firm-pledges-strategic-investmen

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang sent a letter to the chip giant's staff on Monday expressing gratitude for the release of Avinatan Or, an Israeli employee of the company who was released from Hamas captivity after two years.
Or was attending the Nova music festival with his partner, Noa Argamani, near Kibbutz Reim when Hamas conducted a terror attack against communities near the Gaza border on October 7, 2023. Or and Argamani were both taken captive and held separately. Argamani was rescued in June 2024 during an Israeli military operation and was a prominent advocate for the release of Or and other hostages after she was freed.
After the U.S. brokered a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas, Or was released on Monday along with other surviving hostages after more than two years in captivity.
"I am profoundly moved and deeply grateful to share that, just moments ago, our colleague, Avinatan Or, was released to the Red Cross in Gaza," Huang wrote. "After two unimaginable years in Hamas captivity, Avinatan has come home."
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Calcalist reported that Or started working for Nvidia in 2022 after he received an electrical engineering degree from Ben-Gurion University. He worked as an engineer in Nvidia's VLSI group, which is part of the company's networking division and plays a key role in Nvidia's semiconductor design operations in Israel.
Huang wrote that Or's mother, Ditza, "inspired us all" through her "strength, courage, and unwavering hope."
He also said that Nvidia's employees in Israel "stood with her in vigil, united in determination that Avinatan would return home safely. That unity reflected the very best of who we are."
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"Thousands of Nvidia employees have served with extraordinary bravery in defense of their communities during the war," Huang continued. "Many have faced immense pain, loss, and uncertainty. Some have lost family members or loved ones."
The Nvidia co-founder's letter referenced several personal losses that hit Nvidia's team in Israel, including the death of employee Amit Chayut as well as the killing of Danielle Waldman and her partner. 
Waldman is the daughter of Mellanox founder Eyal Waldman, whose company was acquired by Nvidia.
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"The losses to our Jewish, Druze, and Arab families alike have been immense. Grief knows no borders, no faiths, no divisions. We mourn together, and we hope together - for peace, understanding, and a future without fear," Huang wrote.
"Avinatan - welcome home. Your safe return brings profound relief and joy to the entire Nvidia family. May this moment mark the first step toward recovery, renewal, and lasting peace - for all who have been touched by this war."
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A Nvidia spokesperson declined to comment about the letter.

via: https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/nvidia-ceo-expresses-gratitude-letter-israeli-employee-freed-from-hamas-captivit

In its sharpest response yet to recent U.S. trade actions, China said on Monday it "firmly rejects" Washington's new restrictions and urged the Trump administration to honor commitments made between the two leaders in past phone calls.
"China firmly rejects the recent U.S. restrictions and sanctions on China and will do what is necessary to protect its legitimate rights and interests," the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote on X.
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"Threatening high tariffs is not the right way to deal with China. The U.S. should correct its approach and act on the common understandings the two presidents reached in their phone calls," the statement added.
Tensions intensified last week after China said on Thursday that it would expand export controls on rare earths. Relations took another anxious turn when President Donald Trump outlined his countermeasures against the world's second-largest economy a day later. 
The tit-for-tat posturing between the world's two largest economies sent markets tumbling on Friday and added new strain to an already fragile relationship.
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent FOX Business' Maria Bartiromo on Monday that over the weekend there were substantial communications between Washington and Beijing. 
He also said that more discussions are expected and a meeting between Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea at the end of the month is still on track.
However, it is unclear how Bessent's upbeat assessment of U.S.-China communications squares with Beijing's combative tone in its latest statement.
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"We have substantially de-escalated," Bessent said during an interview on "Mornings with Maria."
"The 100% tariff does not have to happen," he said, adding that the Trump administration will not move on implementing it until Nov. 1. 
"The relationship, despite this announcement last week, is good. Lines of communication have reopened, so we'll see where it goes."

via: https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/china-blasts-new-us-trade-curbs-treasury-secretary-notes-talks-back-trac

LendingTree, Inc. announced Monday its founder and CEO Doug Lebda died unexpectedly in an all-terrain vehicle accident over the weekend. 
The board has appointed LendingTree's Chief Operating Officer and President, Scott Peyree, to succeed Lebda, effective immediately.
"We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Doug. Doug was a visionary leader whose relentless drive, innovation and passion transformed the financial services landscape, touching the lives of millions of consumers," the board of directors said in a statement.
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The board said Lebda "dedicated himself to building a company rooted in consumer empowerment, championing a mission to simplify financial decisions and fostering economic opportunity for all" since its founding in 1996. 
LendingTree is one of the nation's largest online financial platforms, providing offers for loans, credit cards, insurance, and more through a network of approximately 430 financial partners. Lebda, who graduated from Bucknell University and earned his MBA from the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business, was with the company for 26 years.
He founded the company with the goal of simplifying the loan-shopping process by creating a website that took the legwork out of running to multiple banks for information.
"Instead of physically going to multiple banks, customers could go to a website where the banks would compete for their business," LendingTree's website reads. 
After launching nationally in July 1998, he led LendingTree through its IPO in 2000, the dot-com meltdown of 2001 and a sale to IAC/InterActiveCorp in 2003. 
Between 2005 and 2008, Lebda served as IAC's President and Chief Operating Officer, and in 2008, joined the newly formed Tree.com, which rebranded as LendingTree, as it spun out from IAC as a separate public company. Before the of founding LendingTree, Lebda worked as an auditor and consultant for PriceWaterhouseCoopers.
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In a statement, Peyree said Lebda's passing was devastating, "but one of the most immediate impacts of his legacy is the strong management team he put in place at LendingTree. I look forward to leading our team and continuing the shared vision Doug and I worked toward for the future."
The board said it will work closely with Peyree to honor Lebda's vision, emphasizing that the company is "committed to upholding his legacy and continuing the work he began with passion, integrity, and dedication."
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Lead independent director, Steve Ozonian, will serve as the chairman of the board effective immediately. Ozonian joined the Board in 2008. 
Ozonian thanked Peyree for his "outstanding commitment and focus" at the company and expressed confidence in his "ability to continue leading LendingTree into the future."
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Shares of the company's stock fell on the news of Lebda's death. 

via: https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/lendingtree-founder-ceo-dies-unexpectedly-weekend-atv-accident-age-5

Amazon is gearing up for the holidays with a plan to hire 250,000 works across its U.S. fulfillment and delivery network. 
The online commerce giant is hiring full-time, part-time, and seasonal roles, with positions being posted weekly through December. Amazon touted that regular full- and part-time employees earn an average of $23 per hour with benefits, and seasonal employees can earn an average wage of over $19 per hour. 
The company said it would invest over $1 billion into additional pay and benefits for its fulfillment and transportation employees, bringing the average total compensation to more than $30 per hour when you include the value of their elected benefits. 
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"We find that our seasonal roles are really popular-often filling up within minutes of being posted-because they meet different needs for so many different people," Amazon said in a blog post. 
Aside from pay, the company said its seasonal roles offer flexible schedules. Meanwhile, workers who stay on for regular full-time roles, the opportunities expand further, with access to a range of benefits including health care and education programs such as Career Choice, where the company will pre-pay tuition for workers to earn college degrees or certificates.  
Amazon is only one of a handful of companies making public commitments to holiday staffing. Following a summer of subdued hiring, seasonal retail hiring is expected to fall to its lowest point since the recession-hit season of 2009, according to a recent report from job placement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
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The firm projects retailers may add under 500,000 positions in the last three months of 2025, which would be the smallest seasonal gain in 16 years. 
"Seasonal employers are facing a confluence of factors this year: tariffs loom, inflationary pressures linger, and many companies continue to rely on automation and permanent staff instead of large waves of seasonal hires," Andy Challenger, Senior Vice President of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, said. 
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Although there is a chance we could "see a late hiring push if holiday sales surprise to the upside, the cautious pace of announcements so far suggests that companies are not betting on a big seasonal surge," Challenger said, adding that "this year may be more about doing more with less."
Aside from Amazon, Bath & Body Works plans to hire 32,000 workers this holiday season, which includes 2,000 roles in its distribution centers. 
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Spirit Halloween plans to add 50,000 workers and Kohl's announced that it was hiring seasonal workers, though it didn't give a number. 
Meanwhile, Target posted about its seasonal plans, but did not make any major hiring announcement. Insteas, the company said it would offer hours to existing workers and tap into a network of 43,000 "OnDemand" team members, in addition to hiring new team members. 

via: https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/amazon-hiring-250000-workers-upcoming-holiday-seaso

Despite the continuing government shutdown, taxpayers who requested an extension earlier this year from the IRS to file their return still have to meet the cutoff date. 
Taxpayers who needed more time to file their 2024 tax return earlier this year were able to request an extension from the IRS before the April 15 filing deadline that gave them until October 15 to get their return filed.
While extensions give taxpayers extra time to file, they don't get extra time to pay what they owe and are required to pay taxes due on April 15 of this year to avoid being hit with penalties and interest.
Due to the partial shutdown of the federal government, the IRS furloughed roughly half of its workforce this month - though the extended deadline for filing 2024 tax returns remains Oct. 15.
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Taxpayers facing the filing deadline following the end of the extension period can file their returns online. 
Through its Free File program, the IRS offers free guided tax software for filers with an adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less, while it also has fillable forms that are available for all income levels.
With thousands of IRS workers furloughed due to the shutdown, it's possible that filers may encounter delays in getting in touch with the agency's representatives, though the IRS' contingency plan ahead of the shutdown showed the agency planned to keep some customer service agents on the job.
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Last week, the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) issued a statement warning taxpayers may have a harder time getting assistance from the IRS if they need it when they're trying to file their taxes under the extension.
"Taxpayers around the country will now have a much harder time getting the assistance they need, just as they get ready to file their extension returns due next week."
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"Every day these employees are locked out of work is another day of frustration for taxpayers and a growing backlog of work that sits and waits for the shutdown to end," NTEU added.

via: https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/government-shut-down-tax-filing-extension-deadline-remain