Tax Notes Talk
Trump's Hiring Freeze and the IRS
Feb 7, 2025
Robert Kerr, a former IRS employee and current tax consultant, joins Tax Notes reporter Benjamin Valdez to discuss the implications of President Trump's federal hiring freeze on the IRS. They explore how this freeze impacts staffing and operational capabilities, leading to uncertainties for employees. Kerr highlights challenges in maintaining taxpayer interactions and morale, amid new employee buyout initiatives. The conversation delves into the complexities of government downsizing and its potential effects on the IRS's long-term strategic priorities.
24:10
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Quick takeaways
- The federal hiring freeze significantly hinders the IRS's ability to recruit new personnel, exacerbating existing staffing issues during critical tax seasons.
- The skepticism surrounding the buyout offer for federal employees introduces legal and ethical dilemmas, impacting the operational stability of the IRS amid workforce uncertainty.
Deep dives
Impact of Executive Orders on IRS Workforce
The executive order instituting a hiring freeze for all federal agencies, including the IRS, has significant implications for the agency's workforce. With this freeze, the IRS is unable to hire new employees until it is deemed necessary by the administration. This situation exacerbates existing attrition issues, as many IRS personnel are already nearing retirement eligibility. The lack of targeted hiring undermines the agency’s capacity to manage its workload and maintain efficient operations amid ongoing demands, particularly during the busy tax season.
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