DOGE's IRS Shake-Up Could Cost You More Than You Think

Internal Revenue Service Building in D.C.. Photo by Wallstreethotrod . Public domain.

Every spring, millions of Americans wrestle with tax forms, receipts, and an enduring question: Why is this process still so painful? But this year, the dread around Tax Day isn't just about refunds or missing deductions — it's about what's happening behind the scenes. A sweeping shake-up at the IRS, led by a controversial federal task force, is causing ripples that could turn into full-blown disruptions. And if you think the average taxpayer won't feel it, think again.

Americans Still Hate Taxes — But It's More Complicated Than You Think

Let's be honest: Americans and taxes have never had a warm relationship. Many Americans resent what they see as excessive government spending. Others perceive it as a partisan institution that unfairly targets certain political groups. Fueling some of that frustration is a lack of clarity on how tax dollars are used or distributed. Some citizens may not even realize they've benefited from government programs paid for by taxes.

Activists protesting IRS partisanship in Mountainside NJ, May 2013. Photo by Tomwsulcer under CC0 1.0.

Adding to the frustration is how complex the tax filing system feels to the average American. In most countries, filing a return is straightforward — often automated. In the US, however, the process is layered with frustration, jargon, and, as the Behavioral Scientist calls it, intentional "sludge," thanks in part to lobbying from tax prep firms and anti-tax groups.

Enter DOGE: The Disruption Nobody Saw Coming

But complexity isn't the only thing haunting the IRS this year. The agency has become ground zero for an overhaul launched by the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE — a task force spearheaded by tech billionaire Elon Musk and operating under President Trump's directive.

President Donald Trump with reporters, Elon Musk and X Æ A-Xii in the White House Oval Office on February 11, 2025. Photo courtesy of The White House. Public domain.

Since February, DOGE staffers have descended on the IRS, demanding access to sensitive data systems and initiating deep budget and personnel cuts. As of the time of writing, DOGE has axed nearly 20% of IRS staff, and as reported by Vox, that includes close to 6,700 probationary employees.

DOGE's rapid-fire changes have left career employees rattled and confused. One staffer asserted "we are paralyzed," as reported by the Daily Beast. Another employee went into more detail stating, "It's routine now to see people crying in the office."

Meanwhile, DOGE has scraped or suspended several IRS modernization programs, leaving workers scrambling to figure out what's staying and what's being deleted.

Just How Bad Is It?

Beyond the thousands of layoffs, according to CNN, more than 110 taxpayer assistance offices are expected to shutter by mid-May.

That could result in slower processing times, longer customer service wait times, and higher error rates — especially for paper returns or taxpayers without access to digital tools. While the IRS still projects most refunds will be processed within 21 days, insiders warn those timelines are already under pressure.

Some analysts say DOGE's cost-cutting may actually cost more in the long run. According to Vox, the IRS brought in $1.1 billion from high-income tax delinquents last year — a huge jump from $38 million the year before, thanks in part to increased staffing. But fewer auditors mean less revenue from enforcement — which could allow wealthy individuals and corporations to avoid scrutiny.

What Will Happen With Your Return?

For most Americans, the immediate effects might not be obvious — yet. You'll still file your taxes, likely get your refund, and may not notice much... if your return is straightforward.

But if you need help — or if there's a hiccup — brace yourself. Fewer hands on deck could mean more dropped calls, slower responses, and longer delays in resolving issues. You might be waiting for that refund for quite a while.

For now, the system's still standing. Just don't be surprised if it starts to feel a little shakier with each passing season.

References: ''Delete' is one of their favorite terms': Inside DOGE's IRS takeover ahead of tax season | Why We Hate Taxes, and Why Some People Want Us To | Where Americans Stand on Taxes | 'It's a Cluster---k': Inside DOGE's Chaotic IRS Shakeup | IRS chief counsel is demoted and replaced with DOGE ally | Where is my tax refund? A quick guide to navigating the 2025 tax filing season | Elon Musk's big mistake with the IRS, explained in 3 charts | DOGE is taking its wrecking ball to the IRS, and it's likely to be a gift to the rich