Uncertainty as the IRS Reopens after the Shutdown
Source: Excerpts from Checkpoint News November 25, 2025
How quickly the IRS can mobilize back to full operations is expected to be challenging.
IRS must address return and correspondence backlogs that could number into the millions. It must reschedule canceled exams, hearings, and appointments.
Employee morale is a concern, affected by staffing reductions across IRS units, travel budget restrictions, return-to-office mandates, and limits on conference participation.
IRS staffing losses and budget reductions are expected to make it harder to get in touch with IRS agents – and even when contacted, those answering the phones won't necessarily have the requisite expertise.
…. Clients are "going to be in for a big surprise" if they think things are operating the same way they were a year or two ago….
This tax season taxpayers need to "understand this current situation" and "setting their expectations" that it may take a longer time to resolve a tax matter.
How quickly the IRS can mobilize back to full operations is expected to be challenging.
IRS must address return and correspondence backlogs that could number into the millions. It must reschedule canceled exams, hearings, and appointments.
Employee morale is a concern, affected by staffing reductions across IRS units, travel budget restrictions, return-to-office mandates, and limits on conference participation.
IRS staffing losses and budget reductions are expected to make it harder to get in touch with IRS agents – and even when contacted, those answering the phones won't necessarily have the requisite expertise.
…. Clients are "going to be in for a big surprise" if they think things are operating the same way they were a year or two ago….
This tax season taxpayers need to "understand this current situation" and "setting their expectations" that it may take a longer time to resolve a tax matter.