IRS to Furlough 34,000 Employees as Government Shutdown Halts Treasury Operations

The agency says around 46 percent of staff are being furloughed, amid debate in Washington whether back pay is guaranteed.

The IRS building in Washington on March 10, 2025. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

The IRS said in an emergency message to staff that it will furlough more than 34,000 employees starting on Oct. 8 due to the government shutdown.

“Due to the lapse in appropriations, most IRS operations are closed,” the IRS said in an Oct. 8 announcement. “An IRS-wide furlough began on October 8, 2025, for everyone except already-identified excepted and exempt employees.”