IRS to furlough thousands of workers amid shutdown

The Internal Revenue Service said it is placing more than 34,000 employees, or about 46% of its workforce, on furlough starting Wednesday as the government shutdown stretches into its second week. The agency will also temporarily pause many taxpayer services, such as answering phone calls. The independent Taxpayer Advocate Service will also cease operations due to the lapse in funding. The agency added that most administrative functions will also come to a halt, as will many pl