CHICAGO — Illinois’ U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth is leading a congressional outcry after the IRS mistakenly sent tax bills to individuals who had already paid — a blunder being blamed on staffing cuts, system breakdowns, and delayed processing.
Duckworth, joined by Sen. Dick Durbin and 12 House Democrats from Illinois, signed a letter demanding answers from newly confirmed IRS Commissioner William Long, referencing troubling reports from constituents and investigations by CBS News Chicago.
“Frankly, it’s unacceptable that Illinoisans are receiving erroneous notices that their tax payments are late because of IRS delays,” Duckworth said.
Thousands Affected, Including Local and National Taxpayers
The issue gained traction after multiple taxpayers, including a South Dakota couple, reported receiving duplicate bills despite their accounts showing successful payments. One couple paid $18,000 in April — only to receive a second notice in June demanding the same payment, along with late fees.
According to CBS News Chicago, the taxpayers described the experience as terrifying and frustrating, especially since reaching the IRS for resolution has become nearly impossible.
The IRS has admitted to “delays in processing payments that need additional handling,” but hasn’t yet explained why payments already withdrawn from taxpayers’ accounts aren’t showing as completed in their system.
Staffing Cuts and Outdated Systems at the Core
A new report from the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) sheds light on the possible cause. As of mid-year:
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IRS has lost 26% of its workforce since January 2025
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9,000 front-line taxpayer service employees — 22% of that group — have been cut
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The agency still relies on 60 outdated case management systems that don’t talk to each other
Duckworth cited staffing issues linked to cuts made by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which she claims gutted crucial IRS roles without regard for their impact.
“This is what happens when Elon Musk comes in and fires a bunch of people without looking to see what job they were doing,” Duckworth said, criticizing the DOGE-led downsizing effort.
Lawmakers Demand Reform Before July 15 IRS Deadline
The IRS says if taxpayers do not see their payments posted by July 15, they should call the number on their notice or check their online account for activity. But lawmakers aren’t satisfied.
The oversight letter sent to Commissioner Long was co-signed by Illinois Reps. Jonathan Jackson, Robin Kelly, Danny Davis, Chuy García, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Mike Quigley, and others, urging systemic fixes before confidence in federal tax systems erodes any further.
Have you received a late notice despite paying your taxes on time? Share your experience or concerns with us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
