Snapshot Report: Status of the IRS’s Workforce as of January 2026 June 9, 2026 Report Number: 2026-IE-R009 – According to IRS records, 31,273 employees separated, took a DRP – Deferred Resignation Program & Early Out Offers or used some other incentive to leave the agency during the one-year period between January 2025 and January 2026. These departures represent approximately 30 percent of the IRS’s workforce and impact certain business units more than others. The IRS began to backfill select positions. As of January 2026, approximately 2,000 employees have been hired. As a result, the net effect on IRS staffing was a decrease of 28 percent. Overall workforce reductions have impacted employees in certain IRS business units and positions (job series) more than others. For example, approximately 33 percent of revenue agents and approximately 32 percent of tax examiners separated from the IRS. Revenue agents conduct examinations (audits) by reviewing financial records of individuals and businesses to verify what is reported. Tax examiners are responsible for reviewing and processing federal tax returns to ensure compliance and accuracy. The following graphics show the business units and job series impacted the most.

Note: “Between 2024 and 2030, an estimated 30.4 million Boomers will reach traditional retirement age. The share of the U.S. population over age 65 was 12.4% in 2007 and 17.9 in 2024. It is projected to reach 21.2% by 2035.”