The Trump administration has decided that IRS employees cannot accept any buyout offers until after the tax filing deadline. This decision affects those working in essential roles such as Taxpayer Services, Information Technology, and the Taxpayer Advocate Service. According to a recent announcement, these employees must continue their duties through the filing season, which officially ends on May 15, while the general deadline for taxpayers to submit their returns is April 15.
Concerns Over Buyout Proposal
Despite the administration’s offer to reduce the federal workforce through buyouts, union leaders and advocacy groups have raised concerns. They doubt whether the government will fulfill its promises made in the buyout contracts. This skepticism arises because the IRS critically needs experienced staff during the tax season and because employees may find themselves at a disadvantage if they accept the buyout.
Details of the Deferred Resignation Program
President Donald Trump’s administration introduced a deferred resignation program aimed at offering buyouts to federal employees, aiming to reduce the government workforce. The deadline to accept these buyouts is February 6. Employees who agree to this plan can stop working immediately but will continue to receive their salary until September 30. However, it is not specified whether IRS employees who accept will get five or the full eight months of pay.
Funding and Legal Concerns
Doreen Greenwald, president of the National Treasury Employees Union, has strongly advised federal employees against accepting the buyout offer, labeling it as uncertain and potentially harmful to their careers. With the government operating under a continuing resolution, there is no guaranteed funding for these buyouts. The Anti-Deficiency Act further complicates this by prohibiting agencies from exceeding their budget allocations, which means the buyout plan may not be financially supported.
Impact on Federal Employees and Public Services
The union, which represents about 150,000 workers across various departments, argues that accepting the buyout offer could negatively affect both the public services and the employees’ careers. Greenwald emphasizes the importance of retaining skilled and experienced federal employees who play significant roles in delivering essential services to the public. She advocates for federal workers to maintain control over their career decisions and warns against signing any potentially detrimental agreements.
