The IRS has reassigned information technology and human resources staff to process tax returns, following a reduction in workforce that has seen approximately 25,000 employees leave since 2017. These reassigned employees underwent nine weeks of classroom training but reported difficulties in retaining the information provided. According to agency officials, several hundred of the more than 1,000 employees failed their initial certification exams. Some employees may face disciplinary action if they do not improve their results.
The IRS stated that the reassignments were necessary to stabilize operations during the tax filing season. Joe Ziegler, a senior advisor at the IRS, encouraged employees to approach their new roles positively, despite some expressing dissatisfaction with the nature of the work. The IRS has indicated that those who failed their tests would receive additional coaching and have opportunities to prove their capabilities.
The agency's human resources head, Alex Kweskin, acknowledged the challenges faced by reassigned employees and mentioned that they could apply for other positions within the IRS or leave the agency if they wished. However, Ziegler noted that employees could not return to their previous roles, and the duration of their assignments would be evaluated based on the agency's case backlog. Employees have expressed concerns about the adequacy of their training and the potential permanence of their new roles.