AICPA leaders said Sunday the IRS should consider the needs of taxpayers and preparers as officials make plans to carry out President Donald Trump's direction to cut the federal workforce.

"Americans deserve a fully functioning agency that can be respected by taxpayers and their preparers, thereby allowing them to comply with their tax obligations," AICPA President and CEO Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA, said in a statement.

Multiple news outlets reported Friday and Saturday that the IRS could lay off thousands of probationary employees beginning as early as this week.

"Many are concerned with potential challenges that could arise from recent changes throughout government," Koziel's statement said. "While there is a lot of speculation and many unknowns, the AICPA is actively monitoring the situation and engaging with IRS leadership and other key stakeholders to understand and mitigate the impact of these changes on IRS services."

"The AICPA believes the administration should determine IRS service levels and provide appropriate resources," Melanie Lauridsen, the AICPA's vice president–Tax Policy & Advocacy, said in a LinkedIn post Sunday. "Millions of Americans rely on the IRS's critical role to help them comply with their tax obligations. In order to allow Americans to comply, the IRS must continue their daily operations and build upon the progress made to improve taxpayer services."

Tax filing season began Jan. 27.

"A top concern for the AICPA remains that the IRS must have the ability to meet the needs of taxpayers and their preparers and we continue to urge the administration to maintain the necessary support to ensure taxpayers receive the guidance they need and deserve," Lauridsen's post continued.

The AICPA maintains a Tax Season Resource Center with guidance, tools, and developments throughout tax filing season.

— To comment on this article or to suggest an idea for another article, contact Neil Amato at neil.amato@aicpa-cima.com.