In an astounding reduction triggered by Trump’s administration buyout offer, the IRS is shedding 20,000 employees.
See the tweet below!
These voluntary resignations hint at a tumultuous shake-up within the agency, reshaping its workforce dramatically.
Approximately 20,000 IRS workers are now on the path to exit, an action aligned with a strategy from the Trump administration offering deferred resignations to reduce federal workforce bloat.
This decision is not made in isolation, as the IRS began this formal reduction plan earlier this month, starting the year with about 100,000 employees.
Experts suggest the buyout deal includes paid administrative leave through September 30, which incentivizes workers to take this voluntary exit, ostensibly aiding federal cost reduction efforts.
Around 45 days were given to employees aged 40 and older to mull over this significant life decision, following guidelines from the Office of Management and Budget.
Thousands in this age group are opting for this offer, potentially as a safeguard against future layoffs as the reduction-in-force takes hold.
Among those departing are high-level officials, including acting commissioner Melanie Krause.
About 7,300 probationary employees are on administrative leave post a favorable court ruling.
With these figures swelling, the IRS faces a potential workforce loss of about a third, challenging its capacity to operate effectively.
The Biden administration previously expanded the IRS workforce by 20,000 to elevate tax revenue.
However, the current reduction move appears to counter efforts from Biden’s era, particularly the $80 billion earmarked by the Inflation Reduction Act for IRS staffing and efficiency.
With looming reductions, federal tax revenue collection may suffer, already negatively impacting audits.
“About 20,000 IRS workers—roughly one-fifth of the agency—are taking the Trump administration’s second deferred resignation offer,” remarked a person familiar with the matter, cited by Bloomberg Tax.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Trump’s administration directed this stark reduction.
Federal employees who embrace the buyout continue to receive pay and benefits through September, part of a broader strategy to cut federal expenses.
The acting IRS commissioner, other top officials, and the ex-commissioner Douglas O’Donnell have agreed to the buyout offer, emphasizing dissatisfaction stemming from data-sharing agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The usage of IRS data in deportation efforts stirs concerns over taxpayer confidentiality. Treasury aims to offset previous hires while enhancing service.
“The Secretary is committed to ensuring that efficiency is realized while providing the collections, privacy, and customer service the American people deserve,” affirmed a spokesperson for Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
The Trump administration’s decisive actions reflect their intent to drastically reshape government operations, underlining a broader goal of reducing federal spending.
🚨BREAKING: Over 20,000 IRS agents take up President Trump's offer to resign. pic.twitter.com/XlpSCYskBL
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) April 15, 2025
