Profession Voices Concerns about Access to IRS Systems, Staffing Cuts
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February 21, 2025
We are aware of reports regarding DOGE’s interactions with the IRS, including expanded access to IRS systems. Additionally, the Journal of Accountancy, Associated Press, The New York Times and other outlets reported thousands of IRS employee terminations, including more than 3,500 employees in the Small Business/Self-Employed (SB/SE) division.
We are in contact with the AICPA and our state society colleagues as we seek information. Our top priorities remain ensuring taxpayer and practitioner service is protected and not disrupted, especially during tax season. The AICPA issued this press statement:
“Unfortunately, specifics are not fully understood at this moment. The IRS has indicated that the filing season and processing of tax returns should not be disrupted; however, it is a fluid situation. It is our understanding that the IRS employees who were terminated were probationary employees from across the country, including some who worked in compliance. We believe that it is essential for the IRS to have the ability to meet the needs of taxpayers and their preparers this filing season, and we will continue to closely monitor the situation. At this moment, taxpayers and their preparers should continue filing their tax returns as normal. However, we do recommend that preparers be prepared to communicate with their clients regarding the current environment and the potential for delays in communications, processing, or engagements from the IRS.”
We have also long cautioned against expanding access to taxpayer information in ways that could expose sensitive data and erode trust in the system. IRS employees are required to follow a strict code of conduct, undergo training and access only the information necessary for their role. These safeguards are essential to maintaining taxpayer confidentiality, a core principle upheld by federal and state laws and reinforced by the courts. We expect that standard to remain in place during any review of the agency.
We will share more information as it becomes available.