The report is the latest in a series from the IG raising concerns about security and safety at IRS facilities, including a recent one finding that security guards did not perform the required security screening of visitors in nine of 85 unannounced site visits by IG employees. Image: Daniel J. Macy/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffSecurity protections were inadequate at some of the “Saturday Help” events held at IRS taxpayer assistance centers, posing safety risks to both employees and to members of the public attending them, an IG report has said.
While those centers typically provide face-to-face service only by appointment, last year the IRS offered walk-in service one Saturday in February, March, April, and May at some of the centers. Planning for the events did include enhanced security at most locations including more armed security officers and providing special agents from the IRS’s Criminal Investigation, the report said, but “some locations did not have adequate staffing and security personnel to handle the number of taxpayers seeking assistance.”
“At some TACs, the IRS had to terminate service early because the crowd of taxpayers were unruly and posed a threat to other taxpayers waiting for assistance and IRS employees,” it said. One reason for the large turnout, it said, was that in response to “tax schemes circulating through social media promising large refunds,” the IRS had sent notices to taxpayers claiming them that required them to visit a TAC site for an in-person identity verification.
“Taxpayers who are experiencing financial difficulties may feel increased pressure and act aggressively toward IRS employees. Unfortunately, IRS employees are often targeted due to the nature of their work, which requires close interaction with the public,” it added.
The report is the latest in a series from the IG raising concerns about security and safety at IRS facilities, including a recent one finding that security guards did not perform the required security screening of visitors in nine of 85 unannounced site visits by IG employees to the assistance centers.
OPM Guidance Addresses Pay Issues arising During, After Shutdown
Financial Impact of Shutdown Starts to Hit Home; WH Threatens No Back Pay
Threat of RIFs Hangs Over Federal Workforce as Shutdown Continues
Surge of Retirement Applications Is in the Pipeline, Says OPM
OPM Advises Agencies on Conducting RIFs During Shutdown
Shutdown Stalls Hegseth’s Reforms on Two Fronts as Pentagon Accelerates Cuts
See also,
5 Steps to Protect Your Federal Job During the Shutdown
Over 30K TSP Accounts Have Crossed the Million Mark in 2025
The Best Ages for Federal Employees to Retire
