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In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), more than **3,500 employees** are expected to receive termination notices by the end of this week. This decision comes just ahead of the peak tax filing season, raising concerns about its potential impact on taxpayers and the IRS’s ability to process returns efficiently.
The layoffs are primarily targeting **probationary employees**—those who have been with the agency for less than a year. The Small Business/Self-Employed (SB/SE) division will be the hardest hit, with over **3,500 employees** facing termination. These employees handle the taxes of more than 57 million small businesses and entrepreneurs.
The decision follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump aimed at significantly shrinking the federal government. The order mandates large-scale reductions in the workforce, with recent hires being the first to face the axe.
Former agency officials and Democrats have voiced concerns that the loss of so many administrative staff, accountants, and lawyers could make it harder for Americans to file their taxes by the April 15 deadline. The IRS has already been under a hiring freeze, and the Department of Homeland Security has requested IRS staff to assist with immigration enforcement.
As the news spreads, IRS employees and union representatives are rallying to oppose the layoffs. The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) has organized protests, arguing that these employees are crucial for processing tax returns and ensuring timely refunds.
The coming days will be critical as the IRS navigates this significant reduction in its workforce. The impact on taxpayers and the efficiency of the tax filing process remains to be seen.
