As the tax season heats up, taxpayers are being warned to expect delays in receiving their refunds, as the IRS prepares to lay off approximately 15,000 workers. The job cuts are set to take place next week, right in the midst of the busiest time of the year for the agency, just 57 days before the federal tax filing deadline.
With over 140 million tax returns expected to be processed this year, officials have expressed concerns that these staffing reductions could impact the availability of free and low-cost tax filing assistance. While the exact number of affected employees remains unclear, it’s believed that up to 15,000 probationary workers may be laid off. Probationary workers are typically those who are new to the position or recently promoted and are in their initial one or two years on the job.
The announcement comes shortly after a visit from the Department of Government Efficiency to the IRS headquarters on Thursday, where they gathered information about the agency’s technology and audit processes. President Donald Trump has signaled his intention to reduce the federal workforce, including at the IRS, as part of broader cost-cutting efforts. However, he has stated that he does not plan to eliminate the IRS altogether.
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The news raises questions about the potential impact of these layoffs on the 2025 tax season. Although the IRS is expected to continue processing returns, delays are already anticipated due to the complexity of certain claims. For example, tax returns involving the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) typically face longer processing times. Filers claiming these credits can expect to wait until mid-February before refunds are issued, as additional identity verification checks are required.
To minimize delays, the IRS recommends that taxpayers file early and opt for direct deposit when requesting their refund. Direct deposit typically ensures a faster turnaround, with most refunds issued in under 21 days.
Taxpayers can check the status of their refunds using the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the agency’s website or the IRS2Go mobile app for real-time updates. With the April 15 filing deadline approaching, it’s crucial to plan ahead and be aware of potential delays in this year’s tax process.
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