As tax season kicks into high gear, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is reportedly reducing its workforce by letting go of thousands of probationary employees, according to the Associated Press. This move comes shortly after the Trump administration's directive for government agencies to dismiss most probationary staff lacking civil service protections.

While the precise number of affected employees remains unclear, the AP suggests it could reach hundreds of thousands. This action follows President Trump's January 29th announcement mandating federal employees to return to on-site work by early February or face termination. A buyout offer has been extended and accepted by approximately 65,000 employees. IRS employees involved in the current tax season, which commenced on January 27th, are ineligible for the buyout until after the filing deadline, per a recent letter to IRS staff.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), focused on reducing government spending and boosting efficiency, seeks to cut $2 trillion from the federal budget by eliminating programs and downsizing the federal workforce. In January, the IRS stated its commitment to building on the successful 2023 and 2024 tax filing seasons, facilitated by increased resources. These resources include the $80 billion allocated by the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act to hire 87,000 new IRS agents, as reported by the House Oversight Committee in September 2023. The committee alleged these funds were used to hire agents specifically targeting middle-class Americans.

The IRS reported improved service levels and reduced wait times during the previous two filing seasons. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel highlighted these improvements while emphasizing the need for continued investment in the nation’s tax system. The IRS anticipates receiving over 140 million tax returns this season. As of Saturday night, both the IRS and the Department of Treasury had not responded to Fox News Digital's request for comment.