The Internal Revenue Service performed better than many analysts expected during the 2026 tax filing season, successfully processing millions of returns and issuing refunds despite operating with a substantially smaller workforce.
However, an independent watchdog has cautioned that significant service challenges remain for taxpayers requiring direct assistance.
The agency relied heavily on technology and automated processing systems to maintain core tax filing and refund operations during one of its busiest periods of the year.
While routine tax return processing remained relatively stable, customer service continued to face difficulties.
The report found that only 59% of calls to major taxpayer assistance lines were answered, leaving many individuals unable to obtain timely support.
Identity theft victims experienced some of the longest delays. The report estimated that taxpayers seeking resolution of identity theft cases could wait approximately 20 months before their issues are fully addressed, highlighting persistent challenges in handling complex cases that require extensive manual review.
Related Tweet:
IRS did better than expected in tax season after slashing staff, except on the phone, watchdog says @WashTimes https://t.co/i72ScxI77f
— Washington Times Local (@WashTimesLocal) June 25, 2026
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