The IRS Said They Sent a Referral. So Why Is Nothing Happening?
The IRS says your issue was referred to another department, but weeks later nothing has changed. A recent TIGTA report sheds light on how internal IRS referrals work, why delays can occur, and how recent workforce reductions may increase challenges for taxpayers seeking answers.
By Brandon Lynch, EA | Former IRS Supervisory Revenue Officer
3-Minute Read
"I called the IRS weeks ago, and they told me my issue was referred to another department. Why haven't I heard anything?"
It's a question many taxpayers ask after contacting the IRS for help.
In many cases, the employee handling the call cannot resolve the issue directly. Instead, they must submit an internal referral to another IRS function for review or action. While this process is a normal part of IRS operations, a recent report issued by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) identified weaknesses in how certain referrals are tracked and documented.
For taxpayers, these findings help explain why some issues take longer than expected to resolve.
Not Every IRS Issue Can Be Solved During a Phone Call
Many taxpayer issues require research, review, or action by another IRS department. When that happens, the employee assisting the taxpayer may submit an internal referral and forward the matter to the appropriate function.
Common examples include:
Missing or Misapplied Payments
If a payment was applied to the wrong tax year, tax period, or account, additional research may be required before the issue can be corrected.
Amended Return or Processing Issues
Taxpayers often contact the IRS when an amended return appears stalled or has not been processed within expected timeframes. These situations frequently require review by another IRS function.
Identity Verification or Account Adjustments
Certain account issues require specialized review before changes can be made. Until that review is completed, refunds, adjustments, or other account actions may be delayed.
For taxpayers, the process may seem simple: the issue was referred, so someone should be working it. Unfortunately, the reality can be more complicated.
Why Delays Can Occur
According to TIGTA, IRS functions do not always track referrals in the same manner. The report found instances of incomplete documentation, inconsistent tracking methods, and difficulties determining the final disposition of some referrals.
In some cases reviewed by TIGTA, IRS functions were unable to readily produce documentation showing how referrals had been handled or resolved.
This does not mean referrals are routinely lost or ignored. However, it does illustrate the challenges that can arise when multiple IRS functions are involved in resolving a taxpayer's issue.
For taxpayers, those challenges may result in additional delays, repeated phone calls, or uncertainty regarding the status of a case.
Workforce Changes May Increase These Challenges
One aspect of the report deserves particular attention.
The referral issues identified by TIGTA largely occurred before the IRS experienced significant workforce reductions during 2025 and 2026.
Since then, the agency has lost thousands of employees, including many experienced personnel with years of institutional knowledge. These employees often understood not only what procedures existed, but how issues moved between departments and how complex cases were resolved in practice.
Most IRS employees are working hard to assist taxpayers and process an enormous volume of work. However, when experienced employees leave and newer employees take on increasingly complex workloads, administrative challenges can become more noticeable.
As the IRS continues to adjust to staffing changes, taxpayers may experience longer response times, additional follow-up requirements, and greater difficulty obtaining status updates on unresolved issues.
What Taxpayers Can Do
If the IRS tells you that an issue has been referred for review, don't assume that silence means progress.
Keep copies of all correspondence, document your contacts with the IRS, and maintain records of any employee identification numbers, case references, or promised actions. If a reasonable amount of time has passed without a response, follow up and request an update.
For more complex matters involving collections, liens, levies, payment plans, or unresolved account issues, professional representation may help ensure that important issues remain visible and continue moving toward resolution.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how the IRS works is often just as important as understanding the tax law itself.
Many taxpayer issues require coordination between multiple IRS departments, and delays can occur when cases move through those channels. Recent TIGTA findings highlight some of the challenges that exist within that process, while ongoing workforce changes may place additional pressure on already complex systems.
At Lynx Tax Advisors, we help taxpayers understand where their cases stand, navigate IRS procedures, and advocate for timely resolution when issues become stalled.
Because when it comes to dealing with the IRS, clarity matters.
Source:Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), Report No. 2026-10-027, June 2026.
How IRS Workforce Changes May Affect Your Tax Resolution Case in 2026
Recent IRS workforce reductions and modernization efforts may affect tax resolution cases, customer service, and enforcement timelines. Learn what taxpayers should expect and how to protect themselves when dealing with the IRS in 2026.
Written by Brandon Lynch, EA
Founder, Lynx Tax Advisors | Former IRS Supervisory Revenue Officer
Published: June 2026
Reading Time: 6 minutes
Last Updated: June 2026
Introduction
In this article: Learn how recent IRS workforce reductions may affect taxpayer service, collection activity, and tax resolution cases—and what steps you can take if you're dealing with an IRS tax issue.
If you've recently received an IRS notice, owe back taxes, or have been contacted by an IRS Revenue Officer, you may be wondering why resolving your tax matter seems more difficult than it did just a few years ago.
The answer may have less to do with your individual case and more to do with the significant changes occurring within the Internal Revenue Service itself.
Recent reports issued by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) show that the IRS has experienced one of the largest workforce reductions in its history. Thousands of employees have separated from the agency, leadership has changed multiple times, and many remaining employees have been reassigned to different roles.
These changes do not eliminate your responsibility to comply with the tax laws, but they can influence how tax matters are processed, communicated, and resolved. Understanding today's IRS environment can help taxpayers make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary delays.
Key Takeaways
The IRS experienced a 28% net workforce reduction between January 2025 and January 2026.
Workforce changes may contribute to longer processing times and inconsistent taxpayer experiences.
IRS collection activity—including notices, liens, levies, and Revenue Officer assignments—continues despite staffing changes.
Responding promptly and maintaining compliance remains the best way to protect your rights and preserve available resolution options.
Experienced representation can help taxpayers navigate an evolving IRS environment more effectively.
What Changed at the IRS?
During 2025 and into 2026, the Internal Revenue Service experienced one of the most significant organizational transitions in its history. According to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), the agency underwent substantial workforce reductions, leadership turnover, and internal restructuring that affected operations across multiple divisions.
More than 31,000 employees separated from the IRS between January 2025 and January 2026. After limited hiring, the agency experienced a net workforce reduction of approximately 28%. The report also documented considerable turnover among experienced employees and senior leadership, including multiple changes in the office of the IRS Commissioner.
These changes occurred while the IRS continued administering the nation's tax laws, processing millions of tax returns, responding to taxpayer inquiries, conducting examinations, and pursuing collection actions.
For taxpayers, the takeaway is straightforward: the IRS remains fully operational, but it is doing so with fewer employees and significant organizational change.
By the Numbers
31,000+
IRS employees separated
28%
Net workforce reduction
7
IRS Commissioners during 2025
33%
Reduction in Revenue Agents
46%
Reduction in Senior Executive Service leaders
Source: Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), June 2026.
How Could This Affect Taxpayers?
For most taxpayers, the internal operations of the IRS are invisible—until a notice arrives in the mail or collection activity begins. While every case is unique, organizational changes within the IRS may influence how taxpayers experience the resolution process.
Depending on the nature of your case, you may encounter:
Longer processing times for certain requests or correspondence.
Delays in receiving responses to written inquiries.
Longer wait times when contacting the IRS by telephone.
Additional requests for documentation to support your position.
Cases being reassigned as workloads shift between employees or offices.
These experiences can be frustrating, but they should not discourage taxpayers from taking action. In many cases, responding promptly and providing complete, accurate information can help avoid unnecessary delays.
It's also important to understand that the IRS continues to process millions of tax returns and resolve countless taxpayer issues each year. While staffing changes may affect timelines in some situations, they do not change your rights as a taxpayer or your responsibility to comply with the tax laws.
““IRS staffing changes may affect how quickly some matters move through the system—but they do not suspend tax collection or eliminate a taxpayer’s obligation to respond.”
”
IRS Enforcement Continues Despite Workforce Changes
One of the most common misconceptions is that IRS workforce reductions mean the agency has stopped enforcing the tax laws.
That is simply not the case.
The IRS continues to issue notices, assess penalties and interest, file Notices of Federal Tax Lien when appropriate, issue levies, assign Revenue Officers, and pursue collection actions across the country. While staffing changes may affect how quickly some matters are processed, they do not eliminate a taxpayer's legal obligations or prevent the IRS from taking enforcement action when warranted.
Ignoring IRS correspondence because of perceived delays can significantly limit your available resolution options. In many cases, addressing a tax issue early provides greater flexibility and allows more opportunities to resolve the matter before collection activity escalates.
For taxpayers facing an outstanding balance, the most effective approach remains the same: stay current with filing requirements, respond to IRS notices promptly, and explore available resolution options before enforcement actions become necessary.
Why Experience Matters
Successfully resolving an IRS tax matter involves more than completing forms or making phone calls. Every taxpayer's financial circumstances, filing history, and collection status are different, requiring a strategy tailored to the specific facts of the case.
Understanding IRS procedures, knowing what documentation is needed, and recognizing the resolution options available can help taxpayers communicate more effectively with the IRS and avoid unnecessary delays. Whether pursuing an installment agreement, requesting Currently Not Collectible status, seeking penalty relief, or evaluating an Offer in Compromise, careful preparation is often just as important as the solution itself.
As a former IRS Supervisory Revenue Officer, I understand how collection cases are developed, reviewed, and resolved from within the agency. That perspective allows me to anticipate potential issues, identify opportunities for resolution, and help clients navigate the process with greater confidence and clarity.
While no representative can guarantee a particular outcome, an informed strategy and thorough preparation can help taxpayers present their circumstances clearly and make well-informed decisions throughout the resolution process.
Experience Can Help With:
Understanding IRS collection procedures
Evaluating available resolution options
Preparing complete financial disclosures
Communicating effectively with the IRS
Responding to IRS notices and deadlines
Developing a strategy based on your individual circumstances
What Should You Do If You Owe the IRS?
Receiving an IRS notice or learning you have an outstanding tax balance can be overwhelming, but delaying action often reduces the number of available resolution options. Whether your balance is recent or has been outstanding for several years, taking proactive steps can help protect your rights and improve the likelihood of a successful resolution.
If you're facing an IRS tax issue, consider the following:
Open Every IRS Notice
IRS notices contain important information about your account, including deadlines, appeal rights, and potential collection actions. Ignoring a notice rarely makes the problem go away and can result in additional penalties, interest, or enforcement activity.
Stay Current With Your Filing Requirements
Many IRS resolution programs require taxpayers to be current with their filing obligations. Filing all required tax returns—even if you cannot immediately pay the balance due—is often one of the most important first steps.
Keep Organized Records
Maintain copies of IRS notices, tax returns, financial records, and any correspondence you send or receive. Having complete documentation can save time and help support your position if questions arise.
Understand Your Resolution Options
The IRS offers several programs that may help taxpayers resolve outstanding balances, depending on their financial circumstances. These may include installment agreements, Currently Not Collectible status, penalty relief, or an Offer in Compromise. Understanding which options are available before contacting the IRS can help you make informed decisions.
Seek Professional Guidance When Appropriate
Complex tax matters involving multiple years, Revenue Officer assignments, liens, levies, or business tax liabilities often require careful analysis and strategic planning. Obtaining professional guidance early in the process may help identify options that might otherwise be overlooked.
Final Thoughts
The IRS continues to administer and enforce the nation's tax laws during a period of significant organizational change. While workforce reductions and leadership transitions may affect processing times and taxpayer interactions, they do not eliminate filing requirements, suspend collection activity, or reduce the importance of responding promptly to IRS notices.
The good news is that taxpayers have options. Understanding your rights, remaining compliant, and developing a strategy based on your individual circumstances can make a meaningful difference in resolving a tax matter efficiently and effectively.
Every taxpayer's situation is unique. Whether you're responding to your first IRS notice or addressing years of unresolved tax issues, taking informed action today can help preserve your options and reduce unnecessary stress tomorrow.
Need Help Resolving an IRS Tax Issue?
Whether you've received an IRS notice, owe back taxes, have years of unfiled returns, or are working with an assigned Revenue Officer, Lynx Tax Advisors provides strategic representation tailored to your circumstances.
Schedule your complimentary 20-minute consultation to discuss your situation, understand your options, and determine the most appropriate next steps.
About the Author
Brandon Lynch, EA is the Founder and Managing Member of Lynx Tax Advisors. Before entering private practice, he served nearly two decades with the Internal Revenue Service, including as a Supervisory Revenue Officer, where he worked directly with individuals and businesses to resolve complex federal tax matters.
Today, Brandon represents taxpayers nationwide before the IRS, focusing on IRS tax resolution, collection defense, Revenue Officer representation, Offers in Compromise, payment plans, federal tax liens, levies, and strategic case planning.