The 7,000 fired probationary IRS workers are back (but not really)

While the IRS is technically bringing back thousands of the employees it recently fired, accounting and finance pros shouldn’t expect that will mean better service this tax season.

The tax-collection agency fired 7,000 probationary workers last month, per the directive of the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency that impacted all sorts of agencies. But then two federal judges ordered the Trump administration to rehire the probationary employees.

On Monday, the IRS sent a message to managers that it would be reinstating probationary employees “in accordance with orders” from the two judges. The message, which CFO Brew reviewed, noted the workers would “be reinstated and placed on administrative leave, with pay, and will remain in [sic] administrative leave until further notice.”

The message also states that employees “are not to report to duty or perform any work until receiving further guidance.”

A second message informed workers they’ll receive back pay and their benefits will recommence, according to the Journal of Accountancy. IRS employees who spoke with the Federal News Network said “they don’t expect to be brought back to their jobs anytime soon—if at all.”