Shutdown Squeezes IRS Workers Just As The Tax-Filing Season Is About To Start

Tax season is more stressful this year for filers and IRS workers alike, because of new tax law changes and the partial government shutdown that’s left the agency with roughly half its normal staff.

Andrew Harrer / Bloomberg via Getty Images

Even in a normal year, taxes can be complicated and stressful — for taxpayers and IRS workers alike. But this year is shaping up to be worse than usual.

The IRS starts processing returns on Monday, implementing big changes in tax law while having to run on half the staff because of the ongoing government shutdown.

Last week, the IRS ordered about 30,000 furloughed workers back to work without pay. Priscilla Clowers of Orange Park, Fla., resumed training on the new tax code on Friday, so she can answer calls from IRS customers.