IRS practice & procedure

“I’m just riding the government roller coaster,” says one worker, who lost her job in February, was placed on administrative leave in March, and plans to return to work later this month.

An email from the acting IRS commissioner, citing a federal court order, says certain probationary employees will receive salaries, back pay, and benefits but are “not [to] report to duty or perform any work until receiving further guidance.”

The agency’s COO will take over for Douglas O’Donnell, who has worked for the IRS since 1986.

An email sent to managers on Wednesday said that more than 3,500 probationary workers in the Small Business/Self-Employed division are expected to be notified Thursday that they are no longer employed with the IRS.

“Americans deserve a fully functioning agency that can be respected by taxpayers and their preparers,” a statement by AICPA CEO Mark Koziel said Sunday as IRS officials plan for cuts in federal workforce.

IRS employees received an email Wednesday advising them that workers in “critical filing season positions” must work until mid-May.