IRS attempting to hire 10,000 workers in attempt to resolve tax return backlog

The Internal Revenue Service is hiring 10,000 employees as part of an attempt to address a backlog of nearly 24 million tax returns, most of which are outstanding from the 2020 tax season.

The Washington Post reports the agency was given approval for direct hiring authority to expedite the recruiting effort. One source told the newspaper the agency is hiring 80 types of positions, from tax attorneys to entry-level clerical workers.

The agency is also looking for technology professionals who can help update the infrastructure and systems of the IRS. 

IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig wrote Congress last month to address some of the issues facing his agency, including a lack of funding needed to train and maintain its staff as well as a lack of funding to improve its dated technology.

Despite recent efforts, the backlog is not expected to be fully handled until the end of this year.