Civil Rights Office to Lay Off 75% of Employees
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The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) plans to cut 80% of its 200 staff members from its Office of Civil Rights and Compliance, according to an email shared with Scripps News. The office, formerly known as the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, was responsible for investigating tax-related discrimination complaints. The Department of the Treasury defended the move by stating that the reductions would be driven by process improvements and technological advancements, while about 20% of the office’s staff would be transferred to the IRS Office of Chief Counsel.
Internal Revenue Service Civil Rights and Compliance Office Faces Job Cuts
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) appears set to cut 80% of its 200-strong workforce from its Office of Civil Rights and Compliance, according to an email seen by Scripps News. These cuts, predominantly linked to the Trump administration’s drive to reduce government size, will see some employees leave through federal worker buyouts.
Previously known as the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, this office is tasked with upholding taxpayers’ civil rights. This includes probing discrimination against the IRS and its funded programs based on age, sex, color, disability, race, religion, and national origin. However, around 20% of the remaining staff will be transferred to the IRS Office of Chief Counsel.
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The Department of the Treasury defends the reduction in staffing as part of process improvements and technological innovations for more effective taxpayer service. The consolidation of critical support functions and reversal of Biden-era hiring are necessary for efficiency and service quality, according to a spokesperson.
Congressional Democrats previously approved the Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2022, to strengthen IRS staffing following a decline in audit rates and increasing difficulties faced by taxpayers in contacting the IRS. This act, which provided $80 billion for the IRS, was universally opposed by congressional Republicans.
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The Trump administration remains committed to reducing the size of the IRS, with the Associated Press reporting plans to cut up to 25% of the agency’s staff this year.
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