“More and more cheating”: DOGE's cuts to the IRS may have a big price tag

Salon - Apr 20th, 2025
Open on Salon

The IRS is on track to collect less revenue this year compared to last, with new data showing a 1.7% decrease in tax filings. This decline is attributed to cuts implemented by Elon Musk and Republicans, raising concerns about the federal deficit ahead of a debt ceiling deadline. Former IRS employees, including Doreen Greenwald, criticize these cuts for reducing the agency's efficiency, particularly in handling complex audits necessary for higher earners. The anticipated revenue shortfall could expand the federal deficit by approximately $500 billion, according to Treasury Department projections.

The situation unfolds in a climate where the IRS has been tumultuous since the Trump administration, with significant job losses and leadership changes. Critics argue that the staffing cuts primarily benefit the wealthiest Americans, who require more detailed audits. This development poses significant implications for the government's ability to manage debt, with potential for more extensive financial repercussions. The IRS's capacity to enforce tax compliance seems compromised, possibly increasing tax evasion among the affluent, and necessitating earlier action on the debt ceiling than anticipated.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.2
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and relevant examination of IRS staffing cuts and their potential impact on tax revenue and fiscal policy. It effectively highlights issues of public interest, such as tax enforcement and government spending, and engages with controversial topics that could provoke meaningful debate. However, the article's accuracy is somewhat limited by its reliance on projections and estimates that require further verification. The lack of balance and transparency in presenting diverse perspectives also affects its overall impact and credibility. While the article is well-written and accessible, incorporating a wider range of viewpoints and providing clearer explanations of certain terms would enhance its quality and engagement potential.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The story presents several claims that require verification. For instance, it claims a 10% decline in tax revenue due to cuts by Elon Musk and Republicans, which aligns with some reports but needs precise confirmation. The article also mentions a reduction of around 20,000 IRS jobs, primarily affecting tax compliance, and while significant job losses are reported, the exact figures and impact require further validation. Additionally, the claim that DOGE's cuts will benefit the richest Americans by reducing audit effectiveness is plausible but needs evidence to support the assertion. Furthermore, the story discusses DOGE's claimed savings of $155 billion as potentially overinflated, a claim that necessitates verification against the actual projected revenue loss. Overall, while the article provides a coherent narrative, many of its claims are based on projections and estimates that need corroboration from reliable sources.

5
Balance

The article predominantly presents a critical view of the IRS cuts, focusing on the negative impacts attributed to Elon Musk and Republican policies. It includes perspectives from former IRS employees and union representatives who oppose the cuts, but it lacks representation from those who might support the cuts or argue for their necessity. The piece could be more balanced by including viewpoints from government officials or economists who might have differing opinions on the effectiveness or necessity of the cuts. The absence of these perspectives creates an imbalance, making the article appear more like an opinion piece rather than a balanced news report.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the narrative. The language is accessible, though at times it leans towards a critical tone that might affect perceived neutrality. The article effectively communicates complex issues, such as tax policy and government spending, in a way that is understandable to a general audience. However, the use of terms like 'DOGE' without adequate explanation could confuse readers unfamiliar with the context. Overall, the clarity is good, but some terms and implications could be better explained.

7
Source quality

The article cites several sources, including former IRS employees, union representatives, and reports from reputable publications like The Washington Post and The New York Times. These sources lend credibility to the claims made in the article. However, the reliance on sources with potentially vested interests, such as union representatives, could introduce bias. The article would benefit from a wider range of sources, including independent experts or economists, to provide a more rounded perspective on the issue. Overall, while the sources used are credible, the diversity of perspectives is limited.

6
Transparency

The article provides some context for its claims, such as the historical background of IRS staffing cuts and the potential impact on tax revenue. However, it lacks transparency in explaining the methodology behind some of its assertions, such as the projected revenue losses and the specific role of DOGE. Additionally, the article does not disclose potential conflicts of interest that might affect the perspectives of its sources. Greater transparency about how conclusions are drawn and the potential biases of sources would enhance the article's credibility.

Sources

  1. https://www.irs.gov/statistics/irs-the-tax-gap
  2. https://fortune.com/2025/03/24/irs-tax-revenue-500-billion-cash-x-date-debt-ceiling-default-deadline/
  3. https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/03/24/tax-revenue-on-track-to-fall-500b-in-2025-report/
  4. https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-releases-tax-inflation-adjustments-for-tax-year-2025
  5. https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-715967-20250325