WASHINGTON — IRS staff who play a role in the upcoming 2025 tax season will not be permitted to accept buyout offers provided by the Trump administration until after the tax filing deadline. This information was communicated in a letter sent to IRS employees on Wednesday.
The letter specifies that “essential filing season positions in Taxpayer Services, Information Technology, and the Taxpayer Advocate Service are excluded” from the administration’s buyout initiative until May 15. Meanwhile, the deadline for taxpayers to file their returns is April 15, unless they are granted an extension.
Critics, including union leaders and worker advocates, have voiced their concerns regarding the proposal, specifically questioning the government’s commitment to upholding any buyout agreements.
This development follows President Trump’s recent announcement regarding a buyout initiative intended for federal employees via a “deferred resignation program” aimed at swiftly downsizing the government workforce. The deadline for participation in this program is set for February 6. According to administration officials, those who accept the buyout may continue to receive their salary until September 30 without having to work.
The buyouts are being extended to approximately 2.3 million federal workers, encompassing all full-time government employees, though specific exemptions apply. Exempted groups include military personnel, U.S. Postal Service employees, and those involved in immigration enforcement. It remains uncertain whether IRS employees who opt for the buyout will receive a shorter payout of five months of salary instead of being eligible for the full eight months.
As of November, the federal government employed over three million individuals, making up nearly 1.9% of the entire civilian workforce in the United States, as reported by the Pew Research Center.
Doreen Greenwald, who serves as president of the National Treasury Employees Union, has recommended that federal employees refrain from taking the buyout offer, which she regards as questionable.
“This opportunity is not favorable for them,” Greenwald stated. “Accepting this offer could leave individuals powerless if they decide to withdraw later.”
Due to federal employees currently operating under a continuing resolution that funds the government until March, as well as the Anti-Deficiency Act that prevents spending beyond the approved budget, Greenwald remarks that there has been “no funding approved” for the buyout program.
She further emphasized, “I advise against signing the document. Workers must retain control over their career path, which this contract does not allow.”
The NTEU represents about 150,000 employees across 37 different departments and agencies.
“This nation requires capable and seasoned federal employees,” Greenwald added, cautioning against the offer. “Accepting this buyout will negatively impact services provided to American citizens and harm dedicated federal employees throughout their careers.”
The official commencement of the 2025 tax season is set for January 27, and the IRS anticipates receiving over 140 million tax returns by the April 15 deadline.
“What many people fail to realize is that a significant 85% of the federal workforce operates outside of Washington, D.C.,” she concluded. “They are your neighbors, family, and friends, and they play a crucial role in delivering essential services to the American populace.”
