local
IRS did better than expected in tax season after slashing staff, except on the phone, watchdog says
By Fatima Hussein, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 24, 2026
· 2 min read
The IRS did better than expected getting refunds out to taxpayers during the 2026 tax season despite massive cuts to its workforce, but the national taxpayer advocate says taxpayers who needed human help were left behind.“Taxpayers who required assistance from the IRS often struggled to get it," ...
Key takeaway “Taxpayers who required assistance from the IRS often struggled to get it," said Erin M.
Why this matters in Tomball News
For Tomball residents, the IRS's struggles with phone support may hit close to home, particularly for those who have fallen victim to identity theft. With wait times for help approaching two years, local taxpayers who have had their identities stolen may face significant delays in resolving their cases. This can be especially frustrating for individuals and families in the Tomball area who rely on timely tax refunds to make ends meet. The IRS's reliance on technology and automation may have helped streamline the filing process for many, but for those who need personalized assistance, the lack of human support can be a major obstacle. As the IRS continues to grapple with staffing shortages, Tomball residents who require help with tax-related issues may need to explore alternative resources, such as local tax preparation services or community organizations that offer support for identity theft victims.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Tomball News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The IRS did better than expected getting refunds out to taxpayers during the 2026 tax season despite massive cuts to its workforce, but the national taxpayer advocate says taxpayers who needed human help were left behind.“Taxpayers who required assistance from the IRS often struggled to get it," ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Tomball News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Fatima Hussein, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Tomball News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Tomball News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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