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IRS Furloughs 34,000, Taxpayer Assistance Severely Impacted

10/9/2025

45 10 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) furloughed 34,000 employees as the shutdown began on October 8.
Only 39,870 IRS employees remain active, hindering taxpayer assistance and increasing wait times.
The National Treasury Employees Union criticized the furlough, citing reduced access to IRS services during tax season.
A White House memo warned of potential back-pay denial for furloughed workers, despite compensation legislation.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 U.S. government shutdown, which began on October 1, resulted from a standoff over the Affordable Care Act, leading to the furlough of approximately 800,000 federal employees, including 34,000 from the IRS. This shutdown echoed the 1995-1996 shutdowns, which also disrupted federal services and highlighted ongoing debates about government funding and employee rights during fiscal crises.

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Story summary

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) furloughed 34,000 employees as the shutdown began on October 8.
Only 39,870 IRS employees remain active, hindering taxpayer assistance and increasing wait times.
The National Treasury Employees Union criticized the furlough, citing reduced access to IRS services during tax season.
A White House memo warned of potential back-pay denial for furloughed workers, despite compensation legislation.

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