WASHINGTON, D.C.: IRS employees involved in the 2025 tax season will have to wait until after May 15 to accept the Trump administration's federal buyout offer, according to an internal letter.

The delay applies to critical tax season roles in Taxpayer Services, Information Technology, and the Taxpayer Advocate Service. The tax filing deadline is April 15, though extensions are available.

President Donald Trump's administration introduced the "deferred resignation program", aiming to reduce the federal workforce quickly. The offer, sent to 2.3 million full-time federal workers, allows employees to stop working while continuing to receive a paycheck until September 30. However, it remains unclear whether IRS employees who accept the buyout will receive full compensation or only five months of pay.

The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), representing 150,000 federal workers, strongly opposes the buyout plan. NTEU President Doreen Greenwald has urged employees not to sign the agreement, citing concerns over funding and worker protections.

"This is not a good deal for them," Greenwald told the Associated Press. "If you sign this document and later change your mind, you have no power to fight back."

A major concern is that federal agencies are operating under a continuing resolution, which only funds the government until March. The Anti-Deficiency Act prevents agencies from spending money beyond what is appropriated, meaning funding for the buyouts has not been secured.

"I do not recommend people sign the document," Greenwald said. "Employees need to have control over their careers, and this deal does not give them that."

With the IRS expecting over 140 million tax returns to be filed by April 15, union leaders argue that the plan could severely impact tax processing and harm essential services.

"This country needs skilled, experienced federal employees," Greenwald said. "We are urging workers not to take this deal because it will weaken services for the American people and negatively affect dedicated public servants."

She also highlighted that 85 percent of the federal workforce is outside Washington, D.C., serving in communities nationwide. "They are your neighbors, your family, your friends," she said. "And they deliver key services that millions rely on."