IRS has 27% fewer workers this year. What that means for your refund. [View all]

It’s tax season — and while there are new tax savings under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), seeing a refund in your account might take longer this year.

With 27% fewer IRS employees in 2026 than last year, delays in processing the expected 164 million returns could be on the horizon. So, how will IRS understaffing affect your refund?

Workforce reductions and delayed onboarding at the IRS

The IRS started 2025 with 102,000 employees and finished with about 74,000. The hardest hit departments were Direct File with an 88% staff reduction and Online Services with a 100% reduction, plus many other departments losing a large percentage of staff.

Small business/self-employed department, which helps small businesses and self-employed taxpayers understand their tax obligations, was reduced by over 37%.

https://finance.yahoo.com/personal-finance/taxes/article/irs-has-27-fewer-workers-this-year-what-that-means-for-your-refund-130052972.html

At least they won't be auditing people like me - Donny Dipshit.