Challenges Increase for Taxpayers Attempting to Reach IRS This Filing Season

As the current tax filing season progresses, many taxpayers are encountering significant difficulties when trying to contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for assistance. Experts indicate that this trend is likely to worsen in the coming year due to anticipated workforce reductions, which could drastically impact the agency's ability to serve the public.

Current data regarding tax return processing suggests that the IRS is operating at levels similar to last year. However, the situation is complicated by restrictions placed on IRS employees regarding buyouts by the previous administration, which delayed their ability to accept offers until after the filing deadline of April 15. Although the processing numbers have not dramatically shifted, the IRS has laid off thousands of probationary workers earlier this year, contributing to increased workloads for remaining staff.

Experts in tax compliance have expressed concerns over the longer wait times reported by taxpayers trying to access IRS phone lines. Eric Santos, a leading figure in a tax clinic dedicated to assisting low-income individuals, has noted that the current volume of calls has overwhelmed IRS personnel, resulting in extended wait periods for callers. Santos emphasized that the limited number of staff members means that agents are unable to dedicate sufficient time to individual cases.

The ongoing staffing reductions, which are part of a broader initiative to decrease the size of the federal workforce, are expected to affect nearly half of the IRS's total employees. This initiative, which has gained traction under the previous administration, aims to streamline operations but has led to substantial layoffs, including approximately 20,000 positions being cut this month alone. Recent court rulings have reinstated some probationary employees who were previously let go, but their return to work remains uncertain.

Comparison of processing figures reveals that up to the first week of April, the IRS processed around 101.4 million returns in 2025, slightly down from 101.8 million in the previous year. Refund issuance has increased, with 67.7 million refunds issued this year versus 66.7 million in 2024. Nonetheless, industry professionals are worried that the 2026 tax filing season will be severely hindered by further staff losses resulting from planned buyouts and layoffs.

Sakinah Tillman, who oversees a tax clinic at a local university, has noted that while refund processing has not faced delays this year, the challenges in reaching the IRS by phone could have serious repercussions for clients dealing with debt collections. She raised concerns about the difficulties faced by clients attempting to resolve their tax issues, stating that lack of access to IRS representatives could hinder their ability to comply with tax obligations.

Former IRS Commissioner John Koskinen observed that the responsiveness of the agency typically declines as the tax season progresses. He warned that if the IRS proceeds with the projected staffing cuts, taxpayer service could deteriorate significantly, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to obtain the help they need.