IRS Faces 75% Layoffs Amid Trump Administration's Workforce Cuts, Sparking Legal and Revenue Concerns
April 5, 2025
An analysis from Yale's Budget Lab estimates that the IRS could lose $8.3 billion in tax revenue by 2026 due to reduced operational capacity from these cuts.
Alex Jay Berman, executive vice president of the National Treasury Employees Union, criticized the agency's communication regarding the layoffs as intimidating.
The IRS is facing significant layoffs, with an initial phase involving a 75% cut to its Office of Civil Rights and Compliance, which has fewer than 200 employees.
These layoffs are part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to reduce the federal workforce, supported by an advisory agency led by Elon Musk.
A recent federal court ruling mandated the reinstatement of laid-off probationary workers, highlighting ongoing legal challenges faced by the administration.
The IRS layoffs come at a critical time, just ahead of the April 15 tax filing deadline, raising concerns about the agency's capacity to serve taxpayers effectively.
Critics warn that these staffing cuts could undermine tax enforcement and weaken oversight, potentially leading to a significant decrease in tax revenue.
IRS employees have expressed anxiety over the implications of the layoffs, including concerns about retirement and forced resignations.
These job cuts follow a period of increased hiring during the Biden administration, which aimed to enhance tax compliance and customer service.
Legal challenges continue to surround the Trump administration, including a recent ruling that found it violated a court order regarding FEMA funding.
Nationwide protests occurred over the weekend, with demonstrators opposing federal job cuts and policies associated with the Trump administration and Elon Musk.
Despite the layoffs, IRS officials claim that staffing reductions are linked to technological improvements intended to enhance operational efficiency.
Summary based on 12 sources
Get a daily email with more US News stories
Sources

Los Angeles Times • Apr 5, 2025
IRS plans to cut up to 25% of staff, starting with closing its civil rights office - Los Angeles Times
Investing.com • Apr 4, 2025
IRS starts laying off 20,000 workers, eliminates civil rights office