Large DOGE operation at the IRS to audit the tax collection system

The Government Efficiency Department (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, visited the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices in Washington last Thursday, as part of its mission to assess and potentially reduce the size of federal agencies.

During the visit, Gavin Kliger, a member of DOGE, requested information about the activities of each IRS unit, their goals for the next 90 days, and the risks they face. Although it is unclear if Kliger accessed sensitive IRS systems, the goal seems to be simply to obtain an overview of the agency.

This event has caused some concern among IRS employees, especially because DOGE recently gained access to a critical Treasury Department payment system, access that was later blocked by a judge.

In a leaked email, IRS employees were asked to redirect any inquiries related to high-profile DOGE visitors to a special inbox while awaiting further instructions from the Treasury.

The visit to the IRS headquarters is part of a broader effort by Musk to promote efficiency in the federal government. The CEO of Tesla has expressed on several occasions his interest in reforming agencies like the IRS.

In November 2024, Musk publicly questioned whether the tax agency needed to be audited. Additionally, during his support for the reelection of Donald Trump, Musk sarcastically criticized the IRS, saying that despite being the largest individual taxpayer in U.S. history, he received no recognition for his enormous tax payment.

Trump, who tasked Musk with reducing costs in federal agencies, praised DOGE's work, highlighting that the tax agency would be subject to scrutiny, although he assured it would not be closed.

This IRS review effort also occurs in the context of an increase in agency funding under Joe Biden's administration. In 2022, Congress approved an increase of USD 80 billion for the IRS, aimed at improving technological modernization and increasing audit capacity, especially for high-income individuals and corporations.

Republican lawmakers have opposed this increase, rightly claiming that it favors excessive agency expansion and could result in massive audits of ordinary taxpayers.

Recently, Republicans, led by the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Jason Smith, have criticized IRS operations, calling them "unacceptable" and highlighting their concerns about spending and oversight within the agency.

This stance has led to increased tension between Musk and his allies and the Democrats, who feel uncomfortable with his direct involvement in governmental affairs.

Additionally, it has been reported that close associates of Musk have taken control of 18F, a federal agency tasked with assisting with technology projects, including the IRS Direct Filing program, which allows taxpayers to file their taxes online for free.

Democratic Senator Ron Wyden has expressed concern about the IRS audit by DOGE, claiming that Musk's team has access to very sensitive taxpayer data.

Wyden warned that this review could cause delays in 2024 tax refunds, affecting many taxpayers. On the other hand, the audit process would greatly help improve the agency's efficiency at low cost.

This operation by the Trump administration, Musk's DOGE, and the IRS reflects a growing commitment to efficiency and oversight in federal agencies.