Tight hiring market could affect tax season as IRS looks for help

Between unprocessed returns, unanswered correspondence and other actions, the IRS has millions of items stacked up on its to-do list — and when the agency tried to hire 5,000 more people for the tax season now underway, fewer than than 200 people applied. Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins illustrated the depth of the agency's challenge Tuesday before a House committee, just weeks after she submitted a report telling lawmakers the IRS is in crisis. 

Americans could have a frustrating filing season with long wait times and being unable to reach the IRS to answer their questions as millions of people look forward to receiving refunds.  

Collins said some of the problems seen last year have only grown worse.