Press Releases

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) joined over 130 House Democrats in demanding answers from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about the agency’s decision to lay off approximately 7,000 probationary employees, particularly in compliance departments, ahead of tax season. The Members warned these mass firings could cause widespread delays, errors, and financial hardships for millions of Americans expecting timely tax processing and refunds, while also giving an opportunity for wealthy tax dodgers to get away free. The letter comes amid reports that the IRS is developing plans to cut half its workforce.

The Members are demanding that the IRS immediately provide a plan for how it will ensure timely tax processing despite its significantly reduced staff and explain the agency’s decision-making process.

“This abrupt reduction in workforce could exacerbate existing challenges faced by an already overburdened agency and threatens to undermine the IRS’ capacity to serve the American people effectively, including ensuring that taxpayers receive timely services and refunds,” the lawmakers wrote. “The Biden administration’s recent efforts to strengthen IRS enforcement capabilities have yielded significant results, including the recovery of over $1.3 billion in back taxes from wealthy tax dodgers by the end of 2024.

The lawmakers continued, “The American people deserve an IRS capable of fulfilling its dual mandate: enforcing tax laws equitably and providing timely, reliable assistance to filers. Staff reductions of this magnitude risk prolonging processing delays and increasing wait times for taxpayer support – disproportionately harming working families who rely on prompt refunds and accessible services.”

Specifically, the Members are urging answers on:

• How the IRS intends to prevent tax season disruptions after mass layoffs;
• Projected revenue loss from reduced enforcement;
• The agency’s plans for timely refunds and adequate staffing; and
• A breakdown of layoffs and resignations by specific location. 

Full text of the letter is available here.