IRS Initiates Mass Layoffs, Cuts 6,700 Probationary Employees Across the US

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has commenced the termination of approximately 6,700 employees, effective February 20.

Reports indicate that the layoffs, primarily targeting probationary workers, are already taking place across multiple locations in the United States.

A source familiar with the situation informed Reuters on February 19 about the planned dismissals. The following day, reports surfaced of mass layoffs at the IRS facility in Kansas City, Missouri. Additional claims suggest that nearly 300 employees were affected in Cincinnati, Ohio, approximately 100 in Ogden, Utah, and close to 400 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

According to Bloomberg, numerous impacted employees did not receive an email notification regarding their dismissal due to what was described as a “technical glitch.” As a result, official termination notices will be sent via overnight tracked mail.

It is understood that all affected workers are probationary employees, meaning they have been with the agency for less than one to two years. These workers generally have fewer job protections compared to permanent staff.

The IRS, which employs approximately 100,000 people nationwide, is undergoing these workforce reductions amid a broader government downsizing initiative.

Layoffs Tied to Government Efficiency Plan

These cuts come at a time when Elon Musk is spearheading efforts to reduce the size of federal agencies through his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency, an advisory body established by U.S. President Donald Trump. The agency was recently ordered, along with other government bodies, to eliminate all probationary employees.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which serves as the federal government’s principal human resources agency, issued directives last week mandating the removal of these workers.

A person familiar with the matter reportedly told Reuters that the layoffs are expected to impact a wide array of roles, including revenue agents, auditors, and IT specialists throughout the country. The source further stated that employees in states such as New York, California, Georgia, and Tennessee will be among those most affected.

IRS and Treasury Department Remain Silent

While news of the layoffs has continued to spread, there has been no official response from the IRS or the U.S. Treasury Department regarding the terminations.

As the situation unfolds, further developments are expected regarding how the agency plans to navigate these workforce reductions while maintaining essential tax collection and enforcement operations. 

By fLEXI tEAM