Tax pro coalition urges Treasury to stabilize IRS amid layoffs

A group of tax organizations, including the National Association of Tax Professionals, the National Association of Enrolled Agents, the National Society of Accountants and the National Society of Tax Professionals, has written a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urging him to preserve the core tax functions relied on by tax professionals despite cutbacks at the Internal Revenue Service.

In the letter, the groups voiced their concern over reports that over 11,400 IRS employees have left since February, including over 7,000 probationary terminations and 4,000 resignations under the Deferred Resignation Program. These departures amount to approximately 11% of the agency’s workforce and risk disrupting the delivery of vital services. Further cuts are expected later this year and next year as well, although in some cases the IRS has reinstated employees who were terminated amid conflicting court decisions and the demands for tax processing.

“The organizations joining this letter share a deep concern that the recent and ongoing workforce reductions at the IRS will inevitably affect the timely guidance, operational continuity, and practitioner support that the tax system depends on,” said NATP CEO Scott Artman in a statement. “While the full impact may not yet be felt in every area, we know from experience that gaps in communication and support can quickly become burdensome during periods of legislative change and complex filing seasons.” 

The coalition recommended the IRS ensure consistent, timely tax guidance and maintain clear, accessible communication channels for tax professionals, including up-to-date instructions, alerts and procedural tools. It also urged the IRS to accelerate its modernization efforts by investing in digital infrastructure, such as secure portals and automation, to sustain service levels as staffing shifts. The groups also asked the IRS to strengthen its engagement with the tax professional community by formalizing channels for practitioner input and helping the IRS align field implementation with policy objectives. The NATP and the rest of the members of the coalition are asking Bessent for continued collaboration between the IRS and the tax pro community to ensure stable, effective taxpayer service during the transition period.