IRS Delays 2025: What Taxpayers Need to Do Now

Tax season is stressful enough—but IRS delays in 2025 are making it even harder for taxpayers to get answers, file on time, or resolve issues. With thousands of IRS employees recently laid off, taxpayers can expect longer wait times, slower refunds, and delayed responses to notices or payment plans. If you’ve struggled to get through to the IRS in the past, now is the time to act—before the backlog gets worse.

What’s Happening at the IRS?

The IRS recently announced major staffing cuts, laying off thousands of employees—right in the middle of tax season. Many of these workers handled:

• Customer service and phone support

• Tax return processing

• Payment plan setups and adjustments

• Resolution of tax disputes and notices

These are the very areas where taxpayers need the most help—and now, fewer employees mean slower responses and longer delays across the board.

How This Affects You as a Taxpayer

Here’s what these IRS layoffs could mean for your personal tax situation:

1. Longer IRS Hold Times

If you’ve ever tried calling the IRS, you already know how frustrating it can be. With fewer agents available, wait times are expected to increase significantly.

2. Delayed Refunds and Return Processing

Even if you filed early or electronically, refunds and return reviews may be delayed due to a shortage of processing staff.

3. Slower Response to Disputes or Notices

If you need to respond to a notice or dispute a balance, the timeline for getting a reply could stretch from weeks into several months.

4. Backlogged Payment Plan Requests

Owing the IRS? You may experience delays when trying to set up or modify a payment plan. Worse, if you wait too long, you may risk penalties or enforcement actions due to inaction.

5. Collections Continue—Even if Processing Slows

The IRS may be slow to answer your call, but collections won’t stop. Interest and penalties will continue to build—even while you’re stuck waiting.

Why It’s Critical to Act Now

We know how frustrating it is to feel like your finances are in limbo—especially when you’ve done your part, but the IRS can’t respond quickly.

If you’re dealing with any of the following, now is the time to act:

• You haven’t filed your taxes yet – Filing correctly and promptly is the best way to avoid IRS errors and delays.

• You owe back taxes or penalties – Setting up a resolution plan now can help avoid collections or wage garnishment.

• You received an IRS notice – The sooner you respond, the better your chance of resolving it before it escalates.

• You’re planning to dispute a balance or appeal a decision – Waiting to respond only increases the backlog and makes resolution harder.

How The Accounting Doctor Can Help

With the IRS becoming more difficult to reach, having a tax professional by your side is more important than ever. At The Accounting Doctor, we work directly with the IRS so you don’t have to wait on hold or worry about missed opportunities.

Here’s how we can help:

• Set up IRS payment plans and negotiate on your behalf

• Resolve IRS notices and prevent enforcement actions

• Dispute balances and correct errors quickly and accurately

• File your taxes right the first time to avoid delays and penalties

• Take over communication so you never have to call the IRS alone

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

IRS delays are expected to get worse before they get better. The sooner we address your tax concerns, the more control you’ll have—and the fewer penalties you’ll face.

Call us today at (628) 732-0025 or visit theaccountingdoctor.com to schedule a free consultation.

Let’s get ahead of the backlog before your financial future is left waiting on hold.