In a decisive move to streamline federal operations, the Trump administration has announced plans to close more than 120 Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices housing Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs).
This initiative, detailed in a letter from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) obtained by The Washington Post, aims to reduce the federal government’s footprint and operational costs.
The closures are slated to affect at least 128 TACs nationwide, facilities that provide free, in-person tax assistance to filers by appointment. The GSA’s letter indicates that leases for these centers will either be terminated or not renewed upon expiration. However, it remains uncertain whether these centers will be relocated or permanently closed.
This decision coincides with the federal tax filing season, which concludes on April 15, and follows the recent layoffs of approximately 7,000 probationary IRS employees. These actions align with the administration’s broader strategy to decrease agency headcounts and scale back the federal government’s presence.
Michael Peters, the GSA’s Commissioner for Public Buildings, stated in the letter that all soft-term leases—those that can be terminated on short notice—are expected to end, except for those deemed “public-facing.” These cases will undergo individual review to determine their necessity.
The IRS has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the closures.
This initiative represents a significant shift from recent years, during which the IRS expanded its services to enhance customer support. Following the passage of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, the agency opened or reopened more than 50 assistance centers, increasing the total number to over 360 nationwide.
According to the GSA’s letter, IRS employees will have a minimum of 120 days to vacate the affected offices once lease terminations are officially announced. Notifications to landlords are expected to commence promptly.
This development has elicited varied reactions from the public. On Reddit, users have expressed concerns about the potential impact on taxpayers who rely on in-person assistance. One user noted, “It’s funny how members of Congress in both parties would always [object] whenever the 1 person TAC would be closed because the employee left, and now it’s ‘let’s just close all of them.'” Another user questioned the necessity of these centers, asking, “Someone tell me why this is a bad thing. What do they offer that can’t be done online or on the phone?”
This move is part of a broader effort by the administration to enhance efficiency and reduce government expenditures. In a related development, President Trump signed an executive order expanding Elon Musk’s government cost-cutting program, Doge, which mandates agencies to establish systems for recording and justifying payments, potentially making them public. Additionally, the administration has announced significant layoffs across various federal agencies and proposed substantial cuts to foreign aid contracts.
While the objective of reducing government spending is commendable, it is imperative to consider the potential ramifications of such actions. The closure of TACs may disproportionately affect taxpayers who depend on in-person assistance, including the elderly and those without reliable internet access. Ensuring that these individuals continue to receive necessary support is crucial to maintaining equitable access to tax services.
As the administration proceeds with these plans, it will be essential to monitor the impact on taxpayer services and overall compliance. Balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to provide adequate support to all taxpayers remains a critical challenge for the IRS and the federal government at large.