Federal Agencies Provide Updates Amid Government Shutdown

Some federal agencies have provided updates and shared contingency plans as the government shutdown continues, including:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Due to limited employees, BLS delayed the release of the September Consumer Price Index (CPI). This is important as the 2026 social security wage base is based on the September CPI, which will now be released on October 24.
• Social Security Administration (SSA) – Should announce the 2026 social security wage base on October 24; PayrollOrg members will receive a Compliance Update with this information. Released its Agency Shutdown Contingency Plan.
• U.S. Department of Labor – Released its plan for the Continuation of Limited Activities During a Lapse in Appropriations.
• IRS – Released its Lapsed Appropriations Contingency Plan.

The IRS continues some operations, including releasing the cost-of-living-adjustments for 2026 that reflect increases in excludable transportation fringes, the flexible spending arrangement deferral limit, and other changes.

The IRS reminded taxpayers that the government shutdown does not affect tax filing and payment responsibilities.

Reminder: E-Verify Services Back Online

E-Verify operations resumed on October 9. Participating employers must create E‑Verify cases for each newly hired employee.

To learn more about federal and state laws, regulations, and information to keep your company's payroll operations in compliance, check out Payroll Source Plus!

Rayna Alexander, Esq., is Editor of Payroll Information Resources for PayrollOrg.