In a significant move that underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to reducing the size of the federal workforce, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is set to lay off approximately 6,000 employees starting Thursday. This decision, confirmed by sources familiar with the agency’s plans, primarily targets more recent hires—those brought on board during the Biden administration, which had aimed to bolster the IRS with additional funding and personnel. The layoffs come at a critical time, coinciding with the busy tax filing season, raising concerns about the potential disruption to services for millions of Americans.
The layoffs are part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to streamline federal agencies, with recent reports indicating that probationary employees—who enjoy less job security—are being dismissed across various departments. IRS managers have communicated to affected employees that they should report to the office with their government-issued equipment, a clear sign that the cuts are imminent. An internal email revealed that the IRS has been directed to terminate these employees as part of compliance with an executive order, although details surrounding the layoffs remain sparse.
As the IRS employs around 100,000 accountants, lawyers, and support staff nationwide, the sudden loss of 6,000 employees has raised alarms among former IRS officials and Democratic lawmakers. They worry that such a significant reduction in workforce could hinder the agency’s ability to process tax returns efficiently during this peak period. While the layoffs are not expected to affect those deemed “critical” to the filing season, the timing and scale of the cuts have sparked fears of delays and complications for taxpayers.
The layoffs come amid a long-standing Republican push to cut the IRS’s budget and influence, with some lawmakers even advocating for the agency’s abolition. President Trump’s choice of Billy Long, a former Republican congressman, to head the IRS signals a shift in leadership as he seeks to reshape the agency’s direction. Alongside an extended hiring freeze, the administration has also requested IRS agents to assist with immigration enforcement efforts, further illustrating the evolving role of the agency under Trump’s leadership. As these changes unfold, the implications for the IRS and its operations could have lasting effects on taxpayer experiences across the nation.
