Salem, Oregon – The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has started implementing notable workforce cuts and office closures across the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), in an unexpected action that has raised questions among taxpayers and government officials. Especially with the closing of important IRS locations, these changes threaten to impact how tax services are handled as Oregonians get ready for tax season.
First reported last week by the BBC, the decision to eliminate around 6,000 IRS staff members was based on government policies under President Donald Trump meant to lower government spending. Although DOGE’s action fits a larger objective to boost government efficiency, it raises concerns over possible effects on revenue collecting and delivery of services.
Oregon has been particularly hard-hit by these changes. The closure of IRS offices in the state is part of a nationwide contraction in IRS facilities. Under a five-year lease agreement, the cost-saving plan calls for terminating leases on buildings containing these offices; one such example is the office in Lowell, Massachusetts, which, DOGE’s “Wall of Receipts” shows to cost $1,189,592 annually.
These closures coincide with the start of the tax filing season, which raies concerns about delays and accessibility problems for people in need of help. An important institution in the collecting of government taxes, the IRS may find it difficult to operate as staff cuts of this extent might undermine its capacity.
Oregon Democratic Senator Ron Wyden voiced his concerns on XÂ recently. These actions by DOGE, he cautioned, might threaten American taxpayers’ data security and privacy.
“My office is hearing that DOGE is now at the IRS. That means [department chief Elon] Musk’s henchmen are in a position to dig through a trove of data about every taxpayer in America. And if your refund is delayed, they could very well be the reason,” Senator Wyden wrote on X on February 13.
The entire effect of the IRS office closures is yet unknown as the community and elected officials are yet to deal with these sudden developments. With tax season upon us, Oregonians and Americans across the nation are preparing for what might be an exceptionally difficult year for obtaining refunds and completing taxes. As stakeholders argue the balance between cost-cutting and preserving vital public services, the wider consequences for tax income and governmental efficiency are also under assessment.
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The list below, as reported by Newsweek, is based on DOGE’s “Wall of Receipts,” a running tally of actions taken by the body, last updated on February 24. It shows the IRS national offices that have been closed alongside the cost of the annual lease on the building.
Lowell, Massachusetts
Annual cost: $1,189,592, assuming a five-year continuation of the lease.
Hilo, Hawaii
Annual cost: $70,396.
Brattleboro, Vermont
Annual cost: $41,238.
Salem, Oregon
Annual cost: $262,927
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Annual cost: $52,743
Bend, Oregon
Annual cost: $192,066
Sioux City, Iowa
Annual cost: $104,186
Beaumont, Texas
Annual cost: $115,076
Knoxville, Tennessee
Annual cost: $69,357
