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Trump Administration Plans to Close Over 110 IRS Assistance Centers
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By News
Published 6 months ago on
February 28, 2025

The Trump administration’s plan to close IRS offices and lay off employees as part of streamlining efforts faces backlash. (AP File)

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The Trump administration plans to close more than 110 IRS offices with taxpayer assistance centers as part of its ongoing efforts to streamline the federal government, The Washington Post reported.

The plan, detailed in a letter from the U.S. General Services Administration obtained by The Washington Post, was announced amid the ongoing federal tax filing season, which ends April 15. The administration is also working to reduce agency headcounts and downsize federal operations. Last week, the IRS began laying off about 7,000 probationary employees.

At least 113 taxpayer assistance centers will have their leases terminated or not renewed, according to a list included in the GSA’s letter. It remains unclear whether these centers, which offer free in-person tax help by appointment, will relocate or close. All soft-term leases, which can be ended with short notice, are expected to be terminated unless deemed “public-facing.” These leases will be evaluated individually.

Michael Peters, the GSA’s commissioner for public buildings, acknowledged concerns about returning federal workers but pointed out that an “excess of federal space” was identified before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The GSA is working with federal agencies to “fully optimize the federal footprint,” said acting press secretary Will Powell, promising more details on savings and facilities soon.

The IRS has opened more assistance centers in recent years with funding from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, raising the number of centers to over 360 nationwide. Some centers may consolidate or transition services online, said Charles Chandler, president of Wrightwood Properties.

Experts described the lease terminations as unprecedented, given the security and long-term commitments typically required for federal office space.

Read more at The Washington Post. 

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