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IRS did better than expected in tax season after slashing staff, except on the phone: Watchdog
By The Associated Press at KTSM 9 News (NBC)
· June 24, 2026
· 1 min read
The IRS started 2025 with about 102,000 employees and finished with about 74,000 after a series of firings and layoffs brought on by the Department of Government Efficiency.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The significant reduction in IRS staff could have a ripple effect on El Paso 's community, particularly during tax season. With nearly 30,000 fewer employees, the IRS's ability to provide in-person support and answer phone calls may be compromised, potentially leaving local taxpayers without the guidance they need. This is especially concerning for El Paso's small business owners and individuals who rely on IRS assistance to navigate complex tax laws. As the city's residents prepare for future tax seasons, they may need to explore alternative resources, such as local accounting services or tax preparation clinics, to fill the gap left by reduced IRS staffing. El Paso's community organizations and city government may also need to step in to provide additional support and education to help residents access the tax help they need.
About this story
Original reporting by KTSM 9 News (NBC) . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KTSM 9 News (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KTSM 9 News (NBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The IRS started 2025 with about 102,000 employees and finished with about 74,000 after a series of firings and layoffs brought on by the Department of Government Efficiency.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by KTSM 9 News (NBC) and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by The Associated Press at KTSM 9 News (NBC). To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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