The IRS is operating with its smallest workforce in years. Between January and December 2025, staffing dropped 27%: from over 102,000 employees down to about 74,000. By late December, only 50 of the 2,200 planned seasonal hires had been onboarded. New employees need 60 to 80 days of training before they're productive.
The result? Longer wait times, a backlog of nearly 2 million unresolved cases, and phone customer service that's only answering 70% of incoming calls. Paper filers are waiting an average of 14 weeks for refunds compared to 7 weeks for e-filers. Amended returns take over 5 months for individuals and more than 13 months for businesses.
If you're running a tax practice in 2026, these delays aren't just an IRS problem: they're your problem. Clients will call you when refunds are late. They'll get frustrated when letters don't make sense. And they'll expect you to have answers.
Here are five strategies to help you manage your practice through this filing season without losing your mind.
1. Make E-Filing Non-Negotiable
Paper returns are a recipe for delays. The numbers don't lie: paper filers are waiting twice as long as e-filers for their refunds. With the IRS already understaffed, manually processing paper returns is the bottleneck you want to avoid.
Set a clear policy with your clients: e-filing is the standard. If a client insists on paper filing, explain the consequences upfront. Show them the IRS statistics. Let them know their refund could take 14 weeks or more, and that any follow-up will be nearly impossible with reduced phone service availability.
For tax pros without an Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN), this is where Electronic Return Originator (ERO) services come in. You don't need to go through the lengthy IRS application process to e-file on behalf of clients. TIG Tax Pros offers ERO services that let you submit returns electronically without your own EFIN. You prepare the return, we handle the transmission. Simple.
E-filing also reduces errors. The software catches missing information and math mistakes before the return goes to the IRS. Fewer errors mean fewer rejections and faster processing.
2. Set Client Expectations Early and Often
The worst client conversations happen when someone expects a refund in 3 weeks and it takes 12. Avoid this by managing expectations from day one.
During intake, explain the current IRS situation. Let clients know that delays are system-wide, not specific to your practice. Be specific about timelines:
- E-filed returns with direct deposit: 7 to 10 weeks
- Paper returns: 14 weeks or longer
- Amended returns: 5 to 13 months depending on return type
- Returns flagged for identity verification or income mismatches: indefinite delays
Put these timelines in writing. Include them in your engagement letter or send a follow-up email after the return is filed. When clients have realistic expectations, they're less likely to panic or blame you when refunds take longer than they'd hoped.
Also, let clients know that IRS phone lines are harder to reach this year. Customer service is only answering 70% of calls. If they need to check on a refund status, direct them to the "Where's My Refund?" tool online. It's faster than waiting on hold for an hour.
Regular communication helps too. Send a mid-season update email to all clients explaining any new delays or changes. Clients appreciate transparency, even when the news isn't great.
3. Avoid Amended Returns Whenever Possible
Amended returns are sitting in a backlog of nearly 590,000: four times the 2019 pre-pandemic level. Individual amended returns are taking over 5 months. Business amended returns? Over 13 months.
The best strategy is to get it right the first time. Double-check every return before filing. Verify income documents. Confirm Social Security numbers. Review deductions and credits carefully. A few extra minutes of review can save months of headaches.
If you do need to file an amended return, prepare the client for a long wait. Explain that the IRS is processing these manually and that there's no way to expedite the process. Set the expectation that it could take the full 5 to 13 months.
For clients who discover an error after filing, evaluate whether an amendment is even necessary. Small math errors are often corrected automatically by the IRS. If the correction would result in a refund of less than $50, it might not be worth the wait.
4. Invest in Training and Automation
IRS delays mean more client questions, more follow-up work, and more time spent managing frustrated people. The only way to stay efficient is to streamline your internal processes.
Training is critical. Tax laws change every year, but 2026 has added complexity around digital assets, new deductions for overtime and tips, and updated reporting requirements. If you're not confident in these areas, you'll spend extra time researching and correcting mistakes.
TIG Tax Pros offers online tax courses that keep you current on the latest regulations. Our training modules cover everything from Form 1099-DA for digital assets to navigating the new direct deposit mandates. Staying educated reduces errors and speeds up your workflow.
Automation helps too. Use tax software that integrates with document management systems. Set up templates for common client communications. Create checklists for each return type so nothing gets missed. The more you can automate routine tasks, the more time you have for complex problem-solving.
Consider outsourcing administrative tasks. Data entry, document scanning, and appointment scheduling can be handled by someone else while you focus on preparing returns and advising clients.
5. Communicate Proactively with Clients
Most client frustration comes from not knowing what's happening. When a refund is delayed and they hear nothing, they assume the worst. Proactive communication prevents this.
After filing each return, send a confirmation email that includes:
- Date the return was transmitted
- Expected refund amount and direct deposit date
- What to do if they don't receive the refund by the expected date
- A link to the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool
- Your contact information for follow-up questions
If the IRS issues a letter or notice, reach out to the client immediately. Explain what the letter means in plain language. Outline the next steps. Offer to handle the response if appropriate.
For clients whose returns are flagged for identity verification or additional review, check in every two weeks. Even if there's no update, a quick "I checked on your return, and it's still in processing" email shows that you're on top of it.
Consider creating a FAQ document that addresses common delay-related questions. Post it on your website or send it to all clients at the start of tax season. This reduces repetitive questions and gives clients a resource to check before calling you.
How TIG Tax Pros Supports Your Practice
Managing IRS delays is easier when you have the right tools and support. TIG Tax Pros provides ERO services for tax professionals who need to e-file without an EFIN. We handle the transmission and compliance while you focus on client relationships.
Our tax software packages include everything you need to prepare accurate returns efficiently. We also offer online training courses that keep you updated on the latest tax law changes and filing requirements.
If you're new to tax preparation or looking to streamline your practice, explore our resources to see how we can help you navigate this challenging filing season.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 filing season presents real challenges. IRS workforce shortages and processing delays aren't going away anytime soon. But with the right strategies, you can manage your practice effectively and keep clients satisfied.
E-file everything. Set realistic expectations. Avoid amended returns. Invest in training. Communicate proactively. These five strategies won't eliminate IRS delays, but they'll help you handle them professionally.
Your clients don't need you to fix the IRS. They need you to guide them through the process and keep them informed. Do that well, and you'll build trust that lasts beyond this filing season.