The IRS Workforce Is Down By 27%. It Could Slow Your Refund

Changes in tax law and significant layoffs at the IRS may result in delays for some taxpayers this filing season.

The Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent watchdog within the IRS, said in its annual report to Congress on Wednesday that most taxpayers are expected to have a smooth 2026 filing season. However, those who require help from the IRS or filed their tax return incorrectly could experience delays and problems.

"The success of the filing season will be defined by how well the IRS is able to assist the millions of taxpayers who experience problems," wrote National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins in the report.

The Hurdles The IRS Faces This Year

During 2025, the federal government laid off 27% of IRS workers and the agency went through numerous leadership changes. In particular, last year, the IRS had seven different commissioners. Currently, Scott Bessent, who also serves as the Secretary of the Treasury, is the acting IRS commissioner.

In addition, the IRS said it needed to hire 3,500 new customer service representatives to handle phone calls from taxpayers with questions. Yet the tax agency didn't meet its goal, the Taxpayer Advocate Service said, and is 1,000 employees short.

The smaller workforce at the IRS is particularly troublesome now that taxpayers are seeing many significant tax law changes coming from the "One Big, Beautiful Bill" Act.

"The IRS has taken steps to avoid these problems, provide guidance, implement changes to its forms and instructions, and program its systems for the OBBB Act," wrote Collins. "However, it all comes down to how well taxpayers themselves will understand the OBBB changes and if they can correctly file their taxes and claim the new deductions this year."

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The "OBBB" Act introduced more than 100 changes to the tax code, including several new tax deductions and credits, such as those for tips, overtime and seniors. Historically, in tax years after major tax changes, there were increased errors in returns and more taxpayers contacted the IRS for help, Collins wrote.

The 2026 filing season is also the first year the IRS is shifting away from paper checks and sending out most refunds virtually. Tax returns that do not include information to set up a direct deposit will be frozen until the taxpayer provides their bank information or requests a paper check.

This likely means IRS employees, some of whom also handle taxpayer phone calls, will need more time to resolve problems with taxpayers' filings.

"These changes will place additional strain on IRS systems and employees at the very moment when staffing levels have been significantly reduced, heightening the risk that the 2026 filing season will be more difficult, frustrating, and costly for taxpayers, practitioners, and the IRS," wrote Collins.