The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is preparing to lay off approximately 6,000 employees starting Thursday, primarily affecting newer hires, according to three sources familiar with the matter who spoke to the New York Times.
The job cuts come as part of a broader federal mandate requiring agencies to dismiss probationary employees—those still within their initial trial period who have not yet gained full job protections. This directive was issued by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) last Thursday, leading to workforce reductions across multiple government agencies, including the IRS.
During the Biden administration, the IRS workforce had grown significantly, reaching approximately 100,000 employees. Among them, an estimated 16,000 were probationary workers, according to Reuters. The layoffs are expected to affect a substantial portion of this group as the agency implements the federal directive.
While details about the broader implications of the layoffs remain limited, the move signals a shift in federal hiring policies and government staffing priorities. More updates on the situation are expected as the changes take effect.