Amid the ongoing federal government shutdown, the IRS announced “most” of its operations are closed. “Due to the lapse in appropriations, most IRS operations are closed. An IRS-wide furlough began on October 8, 2025, for everyone except already-identified excepted and exempt employees,” the agency stated.

“Employees who are not exempt or excepted are furloughed and placed in a non-pay and non-duty status until further notice; however, all employees should plan to report to work for their next tour of duty. Employees will be given up to four hours to close out work requirements and receive formal furlough notification,” the IRS added.

The agency’s updated contingency plans, released Wednesday afternoon, indicate 53% of its workforce will remain operational as the shutdown enters its second week. Most of these employees work in public-facing taxpayer services positions.

Initially, the IRS kept all staff on duty for the first five business days of the shutdown but did not outline procedures for an extended funding lapse beyond October 7. Taxpayer assistance is now expected to become increasingly difficult as filing season approaches.

Doreen Greenwald, president of the National Treasury Employees Union, criticized the situation, stating taxpayers face heightened challenges in securing support while preparing for extension returns due next week. She emphasized the growing backlog of work and frustration among workers locked out of their roles.

The notice to employees confirmed furloughed staff and those remaining on duty will receive back pay once the shutdown ends. This contrasts with earlier warnings from the Republican administration about potential uncertainty over compensation for federal workers.

Earlier this year, the IRS implemented mass layoffs under the Department of Government Efficiency, reducing its workforce from approximately 100,000 to 75,000 employees.