IRS workforce reduction: What taxpayers need to know

Key takeaways:

• IRS employee cuts could impact tax season and may lead to longer wait times for taxpayer assistance and some taxpayer assistance center closures.
• Potential delays could be more likely for taxpayers who file late or make mistakes that require IRS employee review.
• The best way to prevent delays is to file electronically as soon as possible with a Tax Pro who can help you avoid costly mistakes.
• The Tax Help articles and videos on jacksonhewitt.com are a great online resource for all things taxes, but no online resource can compete with talking taxes with a real Tax Pro.
• Minimize delays by getting your taxes done right and filed on time by working with a Tax Pro.

How fewer IRS employees could impact tax season

IRS employee cuts could lead to delays if you need help from the IRS with filing your tax return this year, as well as in case your return requires an employee review.

You may experience long wait times if you call the IRS with questions or concerns about your taxes. The good news? Your local Tax Pro is here to answer your questions and help get your tax return filed correctly and on time.

Potential delays: What to expect when filing your taxes 

Fewer IRS employees could cause some delays in operations and services. At this time, the scale and timing of potential workforce reductions in the IRS is unclear. That’s why it’s more important than ever to get your taxes filed accurately and as soon as you can, and if possible, opt to get your tax refund on a prepaid card or via direct deposit.

We’re open extended hours, and our Tax Pros are here to answer questions or help you file your tax return mornings, days, evenings, and even weekends!

Filing strategies to avoid tax refund delays 

• File early: The longer you wait to file, the more returns the IRS will have to process, which could mean more delays, especially if there are staffing cuts. File your tax return ASAP!
• Don’t file alone: If you make a mistake or don’t fully complete your tax return, the IRS may flag it for further employee review, which increases your chance for delays. File with a Tax Pro who is up to date on the latest tax code, even if it changes!
• File electronically: Filing your tax return by paper puts you at a higher risk for delays. For faster processing, select e-file and set up your tax refund to be paid via direct deposit or on a prepaid card if possible.

States with the most possible IRS office closures 

According to Newsweek, potential lease terminations could lead to IRS office closures in the following states:

• California: 7 proposed office closures.
• Massachusetts: 4 proposed office closures.
• Kentucky: 4 proposed office closures.
• Arizona: 3 proposed office closures.
• Tennessee: 3 proposed office closures.
• Alabama: 3 proposed office closures.
• Oregon: 3 proposed office closures.

Impact of IRS workforce reductions on taxpayer assistance centers 

Taxpayer assistance centers are walk-in offices where taxpayers can get assistance when other avenues aren’t available. Reductions in the IRS workforce could mean longer wait times at taxpayer assistance centers and potentially even fewer locations.

If the taxpayer assistance center in your location is closed or you’re having trouble reaching the IRS, don’t hesitate to contact the Tax Pros at Jackson Hewitt. We’re always up to date on the latest tax laws, and can help get your taxes done right, no matter how complicated your tax situation.

Exploring online resources for tax filing 

There are many great online resources for tax filing, including right here on jacksonhewitt.com. Tax Help offers videos, articles, and other online tax resources to help answer your questions and keep you in the know about everything to do with taxes. The IRS website is another great online resource for tax filing.

Taxes can be complicated, and online resources can only get you so far. Don’t hesitate to reach out and talk taxes with a real Tax Pro. You can even chat with a live agent right from our website! 

Seeking professional tax preparation services 

With IRS employee cuts, it’s never been more important to get your taxes done right and filed and as soon as possible. The best way to do that? By working with an expert Tax Pro who can help you avoid costly mistakes and take advantage of every tax benefit available to you.

Staying informed about IRS operational changes 

There has been a lot of talk about IRS workforce cuts, and it can be difficult to tell what’s true and what’s not. That’s why it’s smart to work with a Tax Pro who can help to cut through the hearsay, get your taxes done correctly and on time, and get you every credit, deduction, and dollar you deserve.

About the Author

Mark Steber is Senior Vice President and Chief Tax Officer for Jackson Hewitt. With over 30 years of experience, he oversees tax service delivery, quality assurance and tax law adherence. Mark is Jackson Hewitt’s national spokesperson and liaison to the Internal Revenue Service and other government authorities. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), holds registrations in Alabama and Georgia, and is an expert on consumer income taxes including electronic tax and tax data protection.

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