local
IRS did better than expected in tax season after slashing staff, except on the phone, watchdog says
By Fatima Hussein, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· 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 The San Antonio
For San Antonio taxpayers who needed help with their returns, the IRS's struggles with phone support are particularly concerning. With a significant portion of calls going unanswered, many locals may have been left frustrated and without the assistance they needed. This issue is especially problematic for identity theft victims, who already face a daunting and time-consuming process to resolve their cases. The fact that these individuals have to wait nearly two years for help from the IRS is unacceptable and can have serious financial consequences. As the IRS continues to grapple with staffing shortages and technological challenges, San Antonio residents should be prepared for potential delays and difficulties in getting the support they need. The city's taxpayers would benefit from more robust local resources and support to help navigate the complexities of tax filing and identity theft issues.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio 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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
Get more The San Antonio stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Fatima Hussein, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter