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 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston)
· 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 Sugar Land News
For Sugar Land residents, the IRS's struggles with phone support may hit particularly close to home, given the city's high percentage of taxpayers who itemize deductions and may require more complex support. The fact that only 34% of calls on compliance lines were answered is concerning, as these lines often handle issues related to audits and notices, which can be time-sensitive and stressful for taxpayers. Furthermore, the long wait times for identity theft victims - nearly two years - may be especially problematic in a city like Sugar Land, where residents may be more likely to have complex financial situations and require timely assistance to resolve these issues. As the IRS continues to grapple with staffing challenges, Sugar Land taxpayers will be watching to see how the agency addresses these shortcomings and improves support for those who need it most.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) . Sugar Land 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 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) ·
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 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) and curated for Sugar Land News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Fatima Hussein, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston). To learn more about how Sugar Land News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Sugar Land News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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