Individuals were ‘wagering that auditors will not examine their accounts’ amid DOGE’s plans to downsize the IRS by nearly 20 percent ahead of tax filing season

Summary

The IRS anticipates a $500 billion revenue loss as taxpayers increasingly skip filings following cuts from Elon Musk under Trump.

The IRS, set to downsize by 20% by May 15, has seen increased online chatter about avoiding taxes, with individuals betting auditors won’t scrutinize accounts.

Experts warned that workforce reductions could cripple the agency’s efficiency.

Treasury officials predict a 10% drop in tax receipts compared to 2024.

Former IRS commissioners have criticized the cuts, warning of dysfunction and reduced collection capacity.