IRS furloughs 35,000 workers amid shutdown, halting most tax services.

The IRS is furloughing nearly half its workforce, leaving about 39,870 employees on duty, as the government shutdown enters its second week. Most operations are closed due to expired funding, disrupting tax processing, customer service, and enforcement. The shutdown, caused by a failure to reach a budget agreement between President Trump and Congress, has halted services despite initial use of Inflation Reduction Act funds. Union leaders warn of growing backlogs and delays, especially as extension returns approach. Furloughed workers are expected to receive back pay, contradicting earlier administration statements. The IRS has not specified which roles remain active, and the Treasury and White House have not commented.