IRS Faces Major Staffing Cuts, Increased Wait Times

The IRS is facing significant challenges during the 2025 tax season due to substantial staffing cuts initiated by the Trump administration, potentially affecting nearly half of the IRS's workforce. This has resulted in longer wait times for taxpayers seeking assistance and increased workload on the remaining staff, as reported by tax compliance experts and organizations like the Georgia Tax Clinic. The IRS has been unable to accept buyouts until after the tax filing deadline, exacerbating the situation. Despite these challenges, the IRS has maintained processing times similar to the previous year and has introduced new features to its Direct File system to aid taxpayers in filing more efficiently. Taxpayers are encouraged to use online resources such as IRS.gov and IRS Direct File for assistance, as these platforms offer free filing options and step-by-step guidance. However, the IRS's phone assistance remains overwhelmed, highlighting the impact of staffing reductions.