The shift to remote work has notably changed the roles of IRS agents, as greater numbers now perform their tasks from home, a practice that increased during the pandemic. This transition is double-edged. On the positive side, it can enhance productivity by cutting out office distractions and eliminating commutes, possibly leading to improved job satisfaction. However, remote work demands self-discipline and the capacity to work autonomously, which can be tough for IRS agents used to immediate peer and supervisory support. Concerns also arise about information security and the need for a strong, secure remote setup to handle sensitive tax-related data. The IRS must ensure that their agents have access to such a secure environment, to reconcile the benefits of remote work with the high standards of confidentiality and efficiency required in tax administration.
