As the federal government shutdown stretches beyond a week, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has begun furloughing thousands of employees nationwide, including staff in Jacksonville, Florida. The move comes after a lapse in federal appropriations halted funding for several key agencies, forcing many federal workers to stay home without pay.
According to a statement from the IRS, the service-wide furlough began on October 8, impacting a wide range of departments. Employees were informed through an internal emergency hotline message and agency updates posted online.
“The Internal Revenue Service is entering furlough status beginning October 8,” the recorded message stated. “Those notified should plan to report for their next scheduled duty and will receive formal furlough notifications.”
IRS guidance indicates that affected employees will be given up to four hours to close out pending work before being placed on unpaid leave.
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Jacksonville Workers Caught Off Guard
News4Jax reporters visited the IRS office inside the Wells Fargo Building in downtown Jacksonville, where they found locked doors and employees hesitant to speak publicly. One staff member, who requested anonymity, said workers had received little communication from management and were uncertain how long the furlough might last.
“We’re completely in the dark,” the employee said. “I’m still coming in, but we’re not being paid.”
Reporters also observed that some staff were told not to speak to the media, with one individual mentioning that employees had been warned about being monitored by security cameras.
National Impact
While the scene in Jacksonville reflects local frustration, the IRS furlough extends across the country, affecting customer service centers, processing units, and other departments critical to tax operations. Many taxpayers may experience delays in assistance, document processing, and refunds as a result.
The IRS has stated that it will resume normal operations once Congress passes a new funding bill, but no timeline has been provided. For now, affected employees are left waiting — uncertain when they’ll be able to return to paid work.
The furlough underscores the broader consequences of the government shutdown, which continues to disrupt federal agencies and essential services nationwide.