IRS lays off 6,700 probationary employees amid federal downsizing

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is set to lay off approximately 6,000 to 7,000 employees, primarily affecting probationary staff, as part of a broader federal workforce reduction initiated by the Trump administration. These layoffs coincide with the critical tax filing season, raising concerns among former officials and lawmakers about the agency's ability to process returns efficiently. The IRS employs around 100,000 personnel and is currently under a hiring freeze, with some employees being redirected to assist with immigration enforcement. Affected roles include revenue agents and compliance staff, which are essential for ensuring taxpayer adherence to the tax code. The IRS has been tasked with collecting back taxes from high-wealth individuals, contributing to efforts to address the national debt. Despite the layoffs, it is reported that a substantial portion of the agency's workforce will remain to handle tax-related duties during this peak period.