It is encouraging to see cuts in any agency. President Donald Trump’s administration has ordered widespread IRS layoffs during tax season, potentially bolstering his criticism of government bureaucracy. The Trump administration’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce include the release of all of these individuals.
Trump Administration Orders IRS Layoffs
The Trump administration has ordered the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to lay off thousands of probationary employees, which could have a significant impact on the 2025 tax season. This decision, spearheaded by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is part of a larger push to reduce the federal workforce and streamline government operations.
Under former President Joe Biden’s administration, the IRS workforce grew to approximately 100,000 employees, including approximately 16,000 probationary workers. The Office of Personnel Management has now directed all federal agencies to terminate probationary employees who are not deemed essential or did not resign under a buyout program.
Not enough and never soon enough for me…
Abolish the IRS…
…"The IRS will lay off thousands of probationary workers in the middle of tax season, according to two sources familiar with the agency’s plans, and cuts could happen as soon as next week."… pic.twitter.com/XZP5wveZjS
— Duke (@raoul_duke20766) February 16, 2025
Potential Impact on Tax Season
These layoffs are expected to have a significant impact on the IRS’ ability to process tax returns and issue refunds, particularly during the busy tax season. Due to existing backlogs and staffing shortages, the agency is already having difficulty processing returns and issuing refunds.
“They are trying to reduce numbers across the board with no analysis of the impact it will have on operations,” a source told Reuters.
The IRS had intended to double the number of states offering a new, free program for direct filing, but these layoffs may stymie that expansion. In addition, the agency is dealing with ongoing Employee Retention Credit (ERC) fraud and erroneous claims, which have slowed processing times.
An oldie but a goodie 😂. They can use this training at the border now since Trump just fired 88,000 IRS workers and said they could work as border patrol. All this winning, when does he sleep 🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/0rDUp67r12
— Aunty Kitty (@wake_up_girl_3) January 26, 2025
Trump’s Criticism of Government Bureaucracy
The current situation at the IRS appears to be consistent with former President Donald Trump’s longstanding criticisms of government inefficiency and overreach. Trump has repeatedly cited bureaucratic mismanagement as a major issue, claiming that federal agencies waste taxpayer money while failing to provide effective services.
“delete entire agencies” – Elon Musk
This statement from Elon Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency, echoes Trump’s sentiments and suggests a more radical approach to government reform. The weakened IRS, which is dealing with delays and operational setbacks, could serve as a tangible example of the inefficiencies that Trump has highlighted throughout his political career.
Legal Challenges and Opposition
The Trump administration’s actions have not gone unquestioned. Fourteen states have sued the administration over DOGE’s authority, alleging that it violates the US Constitution. These attorneys general allege that DOGE has been given “virtually unchecked power” in its mission to reduce the federal workforce.
Furthermore, some Republican leaders are concerned about the potential consequences of these aggressive policies. Senator Mitch McConnell warned that Trump’s proposals would raise “significant, long-term concerns for American industry and workers.”
