"There are layers of indirect support that go into that -- that could be technology, other types of logistics, supply chains. If you lose that capacity, it will diminish productivity," the former commissioner said. "Filing season is all hands on deck. Something could break down. You could need to surge resources to one area of service. Things don't
The former commissioner
The former commissioner said filing season is like an assembly line with incoming and outgoing products: There are incoming tax forms and correspondence, and outgoing credits, refunds, and balance-due notices. ????????????
The bottom line
"The bottom line: Forever, it has been an absolute rule of thumb that you keep things stable during filing season. Because it's delicate," the former commissioner said. "And the idea that nearly 10% of the entire IRS workforce is being laid off right in the middle of filing season is extremely risky." ?????
One former IRS
One former IRS commissioner told ABC News it's "unrealistic" to think firings could occur during filing season and that the process would still run entirely smoothly. ????? ???????
could ultimately
Ahead of the layoffs, the IRS combed through an initial list of approximately 15,000 probationary employees to try to ensure that no one being laid off this week plays a "direct" role in filing season, sources said. But there are still widespread concerns within the IRS that the firings could ultimately cause delays. ????????????