local
IRS did better than expected in tax season after slashing staff, except on the phone, watchdog says
By Fatima Hussein, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News
· 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 Alamo Heights News
For Alamo Heights residents, the IRS's struggles with phone support may hit particularly close to home, given the area's high percentage of taxpayers who itemize deductions or have complex returns that require human assistance. The fact that only 34% of calls on compliance lines were answered is especially concerning, as these lines often handle issues related to audits or notices that can be time-sensitive and require prompt resolution. Additionally, the long wait times for identity theft victims may be particularly problematic for local residents who have fallen prey to tax-related scams, which have been on the rise in the San Antonio area. As the IRS continues to grapple with staffing shortages, Alamo Heights taxpayers will need to be patient and proactive in seeking help, whether through online resources or in-person support at local tax preparation offices.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Alamo Heights News 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 KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News ·
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 KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Fatima Hussein, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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