After Hiring Shortfall, IRS Lowers Phone-Service Targets

Federal News Network reported in January 2026 that the IRS lowered its goals for the share of taxpayer calls it would answer during the 2026 filing season after failing to attract enough applicants for vacant positions. The inspector general had estimated the agency needed roughly 3,500 additional hires to reach an 85 percent telephone level of service, and in December 2025, senators pressed Treasury to lift the IRS hiring freeze ahead of the season. In June 2026, the IRS lifted its hiring freeze.