The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is preparing to fire thousands of workers, according to sources. The agency’s workforce grew under the Biden administration to reach around 100,000 employees, including approximately 16,000 probationary workers. However, officials have ordered all agencies to dismiss their probationary employees, who do not enjoy full job protections.
The cuts will target new hires who did not resign from a buyout program or are deemed non-essential to tax season operations. Tax season is currently in full swing ahead of the April 15 federal return filing deadline. Despite this, the IRS remains busy for months after the deadline, processing returns and delivering refunds.
The layoffs come as part of a broader effort to overhaul the federal government, which President Donald Trump and Elon Musk have argued is too bloated and inefficient. Concerns have been raised about the impact on agency operations. The IRS has not commented on the matter, but insiders suggest that the cuts may hinder the agency’s ability to function effectively during tax season.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-irs-prepares-lay-off-thousands-workers-nyt-reports-2025-02-14