High Earners Face Extended Tax Processing Delays. The IRS lost 28,000 employees in 2025, creating a significant backlog for complex tax returns filed by wealthy individuals and business owners. With the agency unable to compete with private sector salaries for skilled accountants and tax attorneys, high-income taxpayers could wait months or even years for critical IRS rulings on matters involving substantial dollar amounts. The situation worsens with new tax code changes from recent legislation adding complexity to the already strained system. While automation handles routine returns efficiently, those with intricate financial situations have little recourse to expedite processing, leaving high earners in financial limbo during what was once a more responsive tax administration.
