IRS cuts over 6,000 jobs amid tax season

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has begun laying off over 6,000 employees, primarily probationary hires, in the midst of the busy tax season. This decision is part of a broader federal government downsizing initiative linked to President Donald Trump's directives, with significant impacts expected on tax processing and customer service. The cuts have raised concerns among government watchdogs and tax experts, who warn that the layoffs could hinder the IRS's ability to enforce tax collection and address issues with wealthy tax cheats. Many affected employees had recently been hired under the Inflation Reduction Act, which aimed to bolster IRS capabilities after years of resource constraints. Union leaders have criticized the layoffs as arbitrary and detrimental to public service, especially during a critical period for taxpayers. The exact consequences for the ongoing tax season remain uncertain, as the IRS navigates these significant staff reductions.