IRS plans to add 200 technologists

The IRS is looking to hire over 200 technologists to help the agency with modernization as part of a broader push to hire up in the agency as it grapples with tax return backlogs, and a budget and workforce that have shrunk over time. 

The agency says it’s looking for tech workers ranging from entry level to more advanced careerists in system development, architecture, engineering, cybersecurity, IT operations and network services. It particularly wants people with cloud, zero trust, low and no-code enterprise platforms and artificial intelligence and machine learning experience. 

Among the projects new technologists at the agency could work on is the ongoing modernization of the agency’s 60-year-old Individual Master File, the IRS’ core tax processing system that’s been subject to numerous delays and currently isn’t slated to be finished until 2030.

"This is an excellent opportunity to join the IRS Information Technology team and make a real difference for our tax system and the nation's taxpayers," said Chief Information Officer Nancy Sieger. "We have experienced teams of programmers, IT specialists and cybersecurity experts looking to further accelerate modernization efforts."

The IRS says that positions are available nationwide, but also touts that it’ll have a “competitive telework policy” even after the current maximum telework mode the agency remains in ends. 

Technology talent isn’t the only worker the IRS is looking for as of late. 

The agency recently announced a push to hire over 5,000 positions in service processing centers in Texas, Missouri and Utah using direct hire authority, meaning the agency can bypass certain competitive procedures to expedite the hiring of a candidate. Those jobs include entry-level clerk and tax examiner positions.

The IRS has also used "surge teams" and mandatory overtime to work on the backlog.