IRS workforce reductions

Originally published, February 16. Edited February 18: 
The WSCPA is aware of reports regarding DOGE’s interactions with the IRS, including potential staff reductions and expanded access to IRS systems.

We are in contact with the AICPA and our state society colleagues as we seek official information. Our top priorities remain ensuring taxpayer and practitioner service is protected and not disrupted, especially during tax season. We support the AICPA’s statement on this issue, which can be found here: AICPA Statement.

We have also long cautioned against expanding access to taxpayer information in ways that could expose sensitive data and erode trust in the system. IRS employees are required to follow a strict code of conduct, undergo training and access only the information necessary for their role. These safeguards are essential to maintaining taxpayer confidentiality, a core principle upheld by federal and state laws and reinforced by the courts. We expect that standard to remain in place during any review of the agency.
 

The WSCPA is monitoring news related to IRS workforce reductions: 

• IRS prepares to lay off thousands of workers (Reuters) Feb 14 - "The U.S. Internal Revenue Service is preparing to fire thousands of workers in the coming days, a move that could squeeze resources at the tax-collecting agency during the critical tax-filing season, two people familiar with the matter said."
   
• IRS Expected to Lay Off Thousands (New York Times - login required) Feb 14
   
• Update on recent developments regarding the IRS workforce (AICPA) Feb 16
  "As the Administration considers changes to staffing and resources at the IRS, we encourage them to maintain the necessary overall service levels. In particular, it is essential that the IRS has the ability to meet the needs of taxpayers and their preparers this filing season. 
  
  The AICPA believes the Administration should determine IRS service levels and provide appropriate resources. Millions of Americans rely on the IRS’s critical role to help them comply with their tax obligations. In order to allow Americans to comply, the IRS must continue their daily operations and build upon the progress made to improve taxpayer services. Furthermore, in the interest of good tax policy, the AICPA has long advocated for policies to modernize the IRS through improved taxpayer experiences and a streamlined tax administration system. 
  
  A top concern for the AICPA remains that the IRS must have the ability to meet the needs of taxpayers and their preparers, and we continue to urge the Administration to maintain the necessary support to ensure taxpayers receive the guidance they need and deserve."
   
• AICPA Releases Statement on IRS Ability to Help Taxpayers Meet Filing Obligations (AICPA)  Feb 16
   

Stay Informed 
Updates on this and other news related to the IRS workforce will be shared in the WSCPA's new Recent Federal Actions Resource Group in Connect. Join the group today to stay informed.