IRS Plans to Hire 1,000 Staff for Enforcement
The agency seeks to rebuild its workforce after losing 25% of its staff last year due to efficiency incentives.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Taxes
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The IRS is launching a new recruitment drive to add approximately 1,000 employees to its civil and criminal enforcement divisions. This hiring initiative seeks to bolster staffing levels following a 25% reduction in the total agency workforce last year.
Why it matters
The agency is rebuilding its civil and criminal audit capacity after significant personnel losses caused by previous government efficiency incentives. For taxpayers, this shift reflects an attempt to restore operational staffing levels across the small business, self-employed, and large business divisions.
The IRS plans to hire 1,000 new employees, including 175 specifically for the criminal investigation unit, to replace staff after a 25% workforce decline last year. The small business and self-employed division was hit hardest, facing a 35% reduction in total staff.
The players
IRS
The federal agency responsible for tax administration, revenue collection, and enforcement of civil and criminal tax laws.
Jarod Koopman
An official who announced the new hiring plans for the IRS civil and criminal divisions.
The details
The agency aims to fill gaps left by the Department of Government Efficiency incentive program, which led to a broad contraction of personnel across tax divisions. By bringing on 1,000 new staff members, the IRS intends to restore its ability to manage investigations and civil oversight for small businesses, self-employed individuals, and large corporations. The hiring is specifically designed to address the specific staffing shortages that resulted in a 35% loss of personnel within the small business division.
Timeline
The IRS experienced a 25% reduction in its total workforce due to government efficiency incentives in 2025.
Jarod Koopman announced the current hiring plans during a conference on October 22, 2026.
Money Landscape
This move to rebuild staffing represents a reversal of the recent contraction cycle triggered by the Department of Government Efficiency incentive program. The agency is now attempting to return to prior operational levels after losing roughly a quarter of its workforce in 2025.
Taxpayers should remain prepared for standard administrative and audit processes as the agency works to restore its workforce capacity. If you have questions regarding your specific filing status or upcoming tax obligations, consult with a qualified tax professional.
The takeaway
The IRS is actively rebuilding its workforce to address gaps created by last year's personnel reductions. Taxpayers should continue to maintain thorough records for all business and self-employment income, as the agency plans to ramp up enforcement capacity through 1,000 new staff additions.
Further reading
For more information on current agency operations, visit our section on Taxes.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bloomberglaw.
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Should government agencies prioritize rapid rehiring after significant personnel cuts?
