TL/DR –
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is struggling to function due to drastic staffing cuts, according to reporter Stephanie Mencimer. She noted that the IRS has reduced its workforce by 30%, which has caused a backlog in answering calls and handling mail, with the number of backlogged letters increasing from 3 million to 7 million in just one year. Mencimer also addressed the reduction in in-person taxpayer assistance centers from more than 100 to about 40, which has made it difficult for individuals who need help with their taxes to receive assistance, particularly as it is almost impossible to make an appointment due to overwhelmed phone lines.
The Troubles of the IRS: Staffing Cuts and Service Challenges
Issues with the IRS that were once the brunt of jokes have now turned into a reality. The Internal Revenue Service, once a formidable agency, is now struggling with its basic duties. A series of staffing cuts and operational challenges have resulted in a crisis that is affecting tax practitioners, advocates, and IRS officials alike.
Experience at the IRS
Stephanie Mencimer, a seasoned reporter, began noticing the struggles of the IRS when she encountered some problems with her own taxes. “I thought, this is what everyone warned me about last year. The IRS couldn’t function like this and they can’t lose a third of their staff and think they’re going to be able to still process all the work that they do,” she expressed. This was after the IRS had cut 30% of its workforce, including roles from the mailroom to upper management.
IRS Customer Service Woes
Data from the IRS suggests that current conditions are considerably worse than usual. The agency has seen a decline in customer service with issues in answering phones and processing mail. Despite efforts from the Biden administration to boost the IRS through the Inflation Reduction Act, the situation has been worsening. The backlogs of mail and calls, which were decreasing, started to pile up again when the Trump administration came into office in 2025.
Workforce Reductions and Operational Challenges
Public statements from senior officials claiming successful tax filing seasons are in stark contrast to the experiences reported by tax practitioners and attorneys working with low-income tax clinics. They tell tales of long hours spent on hold, disconnections and unaddressed issues due to a lack of staff. One professional, who worked in tax law for over 50 years, stated, “I’ve never seen it this bad.”
Customer Service and Automation
While there are hopes that automation and artificial intelligence could improve service, many are highlighting the importance of basic human-to-human connections. The IRS has been trying to hire people back after realizing that they have cut too much, but the instability created during the Trump administration has deterred many potential employees. Moreover, in-person taxpayer assistance centers, which were successfully established and staffed during the Biden administration, have significantly reduced in number since Trump took office.
The Risks of Failing to Connect with the IRS
There are significant consequences for taxpayers who cannot connect with the IRS. The risks range from being vulnerable to fraud by dodgy tax preparers to facing clear and present danger if they fail to respond to IRS letters. The IRS has the power to seize property and bank accounts if they believe a taxpayer owes money. Without the ability to reach the IRS, many taxpayers are left in a vulnerable position.
The IRS’s Fundamental Role
It’s essential to remember that the role of the IRS is to generate the funding that allows the government to function. Most Americans want to pay their taxes and fulfill their responsibilities. However, the current approach of the IRS and the Trump administration has led to significant challenges in managing these basic responsibilities.
Mencimer notes, “It’s really short-sighted. I think that people misunderstand how the IRS functions and what it does, and how competent a lot of the civil service really is.” The lack of a clear management strategy has resulted in serious issues that affect not only the functioning of the IRS but also the broader democratic processes. As Mencimer concludes, “It’s all part of a fair and equitable tax administration, and people forget about that.”
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