The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is preparing to lay off up to 15,000 employees in the coming days, a move that could significantly impact the agency's operations during the critical tax-filing season. This decision follows directives from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which oversees federal hiring practices. The timing of these layoffs is particularly concerning, as the IRS is processing over 140 million tax returns. The loss of a substantial portion of its workforce during t