IRS to Restructure to Hire Thousands

The Internal Revenue Service said it would restructure its operations, shedding offices and data processors to hire thousands of auditors, examiners, collection agents and criminal investigators.

Starting in 2005, the agency will close a tax return processing center in Memphis, Tenn., and consolidate back-office operations in 92 locations. The moves are likely to displace 2,400 employees, including about 90 in Los Angeles. The IRS expects the savings from the cost-cutting, however, to allow it to fill 2,200 new positions.

“Savings from these initiatives will allow the IRS to hire more people to pursue cheating by high-income individuals and corporations, continue our attack on abusive tax shelters, bolster our criminal investigation efforts and assist with other enforcement priorities,” said IRS Commissioner Mark W. Everson.

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-- Kathy M. Kristof