The IRS Commissioner, Danny Werfel, has revealed intentions to grow the agency’s workforce to more than 100,000 employees in the next several years. This decision is geared towards achieving goals related to modernization, improving services, and enhancing enforcement efforts.
Werfel emphasized the importance of prioritizing taxpayer services and managing complex audits through the initial stages of hiring. Detailed hiring strategies are set to be disclosed soon in an update to the IRS’s operational plan, which will allocate approximately $60 billion in additional funding. To meet optimal staff levels, Werfel highlighted the need to surpass 100,000 employees, representing a significant increase from the current workforce of about 90,000 employees.
Responding to criticisms from Republicans who accused the IRS of building a large workforce of agents, Werfel clarified that the staffing expansion is mainly to address retirements, boost capacity, and improve operations. The proposed hiring numbers are far lower than exaggerated figures from some political groups.
While acknowledging the financial challenges facing the IRS, especially with expected budget cuts, Werfel reiterated the agency’s commitment to technological investments and operational improvements. Despite funding constraints, efforts will be made to minimize disruptions during the upcoming tax filing season, even if there may be operational limitations.
Looking ahead to President Biden’s proposed budget for fiscal 2025, there is a call for an additional $104 billion in IRS funding to support the agency’s technological advancements and operational efficiency. This funding is crucial for the IRS to maintain its operational capacity and continue delivering essential services.
In conclusion, Werfel emphasized that enhancing the IRS’s workforce and operational capabilities is crucial for the agency’s strategic goals. As discussions on funding continue, the IRS remains dedicated to balancing service quality with fiscal responsibility to fulfill its role in the nation’s tax system effectively. The proposed workforce expansion aims to improve taxpayer services by providing timely assistance and enhancing enforcement efforts to detect and prevent tax evasion and fraud effectively. By investing in its workforce and technology, the IRS can adapt to the evolving tax landscape and meet the needs of taxpayers and stakeholders.
