Taxpayers gearing up for the April 15 deadline might be in for a surprise this year. Rumors are swirling about major shake-ups within the IRS at the worst possible time.

Could this mean delays for your much-anticipated refund?


As the clock ticks down to the April 15 tax filing deadline, American taxpayers are facing an unexpected hurdle that could put a speed bump on the road to their refunds.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the cornerstone of federal tax collection and processing, is reportedly on the verge of reducing its workforce by a staggering 15,000 employees during one of its busiest times of the year.

The timing of these layoffs couldn't be more critical, as they coincide with the peak of tax filing season.


With the IRS expected to handle over 140 million tax returns this year, the potential impact of such a significant reduction in staff is causing concern among taxpayers and tax professionals alike.

Probationary employees, who are often recent hires or those who have recently been promoted, are said to be most at risk.

These individuals typically serve a one to two-year period where their performance is closely evaluated.

The looming layoffs raise questions about the IRS's capacity to maintain its service levels and provide the necessary support to taxpayers.


One of the most immediate effects of the staff cuts could be on the availability of free and low-cost filing assistance, which many taxpayers rely on to navigate the complexities of tax law.

The IRS has long provided resources to help individuals file their taxes accurately and on time, but with fewer hands on deck, these services may become harder to access.

President Donald Trump has acknowledged the IRS's efforts, noting that the agency is doing “an amazing job.”

However, he also indicated that the IRS, like many other agencies, is under review as part of broader cost-cutting measures.

Despite rumors, the president has clarified that there are no plans to dismantle the IRS entirely.



For those concerned about delays, there are proactive steps that can be taken to minimize the wait time for refunds.

Filing early is one of the most effective ways to get ahead of the queue.

Additionally, opting for direct deposit can expedite the refund process, with most refunds issued within 21 days under normal circumstances.

Taxpayers should also be aware that certain credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Additional Child Tax Credit, traditionally require additional scrutiny and may inherently lead to longer processing times.

Also read: Could you get a $7,800 IRS refund? See if you qualify!

The IRS is mandated to perform identity checks for these credits, which means refunds associated with them cannot be issued before mid-February.


In light of these challenges, the IRS has emphasized the importance of selecting a legitimate tax professional.

Taxpayers should be wary of “ghost” preparers who refuse to sign tax returns and may engage in fraudulent activities.

Always verify that your tax preparer has a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) and is willing to sign your return.

Other tips for choosing a tax professional include:

• Ensuring they are available year-round for any follow-up questions or issues.
• Checking their credentials and disciplinary history through the Better Business Bureau.
• Discussing service fees upfront and avoiding preparers who base their fees on a percentage of your refund.
• Never signing a blank or incomplete tax return.

Also read: Want your tax refund faster than everyone else? Follow this IRS process now!

For those eager to track their refund status, the IRS recommends using the Where's My Refund? tool on its website or the IRS2Go app.
Have you ever experienced a delayed refund before? How did you handle it? What’s one tip you’d give others your age to make tax season less stressful? Share your insights with us in the comments below.