local
IRS did better than expected in tax season after slashing staff, except on the phone, watchdog says
By Fatima Hussein, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 24, 2026
· 2 min read
The IRS did better than expected getting refunds out to taxpayers during the 2026 tax season despite massive cuts to its workforce, but the national taxpayer advocate says taxpayers who needed human help were left behind.“Taxpayers who required assistance from the IRS often struggled to get it," ...
Key takeaway “Taxpayers who required assistance from the IRS often struggled to get it," said Erin M.
Why this matters in The Pearland
For Pearland residents, the IRS's struggles with phone support may hit close to home, particularly for those who have fallen victim to identity theft. With wait times for help approaching two years, local taxpayers who have had their identities stolen may face significant delays in resolving their cases, potentially leaving them without refunds or stuck in limbo. The fact that only 19% of calls from identity theft victims were answered is especially concerning, given that Brazoria County has seen its share of scams and identity theft cases in recent years. As the IRS continues to grapple with staffing shortages and phone support issues, Pearland taxpayers will likely need to be patient and persistent in seeking help, and may want to explore alternative support options, such as visiting a local tax professional or seeking assistance from a community organization.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The IRS did better than expected getting refunds out to taxpayers during the 2026 tax season despite massive cuts to its workforce, but the national taxpayer advocate says taxpayers who needed human help were left behind.“Taxpayers who required assistance from the IRS often struggled to get it," ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Fatima Hussein, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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