Safety Risks in IRS Facilities Halt Workflow, Leave Federal Managers Vulnerable

Reported Risks

A special review of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) facilities conducted between 2022 and 2023 resulted in nearly 600 recommendations focused on improving physical protections around and inside agency workplaces. Despite this call to action, a recent Inspector General (IG) report has indicated that security concerns at IRS facilities are continuing.

According to the IG, the IRS’s ability to collect tax revenue and the effective and safe administration of the federal tax system has been impeded by threats and assaults directed at IRS employees, facilities, and infrastructure. IRS managers who have been tasked with implementing the IG’s recommendations and maintaining a productive workplace may be vulnerable to allegations of wrongdoing and mismanagement, disciplinary action, and even civil lawsuits. When this happens, it’s crucial that federal managers have a professional liability insurance (PLI) policy from FEDS Protection to help defend and guide them.

Fruitless Follow-Up

The IG’s review of follow-up actions at IRS was unclear – much of it was redacted, and which/how many recommendations had been completed was not disclosed. Some recommendations were awaiting closure approval, while an undisclosed number of others have corrective actions that were pending approval, pending the quality review process, were in process, or have yet to be completed to address the recommendation.

In many cases, the recommended corrective measures were rejected. In other cases, recommendations remain incomplete due to various factors, such as reliance on outside entities and the length of the federal government’s procurement process. Despite their best efforts, federal managers may have difficulty maintaining productivity if workplace safety issues are not adequately addressed.

Expanded Exposures

Apart from the previously identified issues, the IG’s recent report acknowledged additional security vulnerabilities at an undisclosed number of IRS facilities, prompting them to make seven further recommendations, which were also redacted from the report.

These types of safety exposures could have severe consequences for employees and managers in IRS facilities. Mistakes and dips in efficiency will result in calls for accountability, and agency officials may look to IRS managers to place blame. Allegations and investigations can lead to suspensions, terminations, or personal capacity lawsuits. If an allegation is made against you, it is a necessity, not luxury, to have knowledgeable and effective counsel advocating on your behalf.

Protecting Personnel

As the professional liability insurance (PLI) provider endorsed by the leading federal employee associations, FEDS Protection offers federal employee PLI policies with $1 million, $2 million, or $3 million in civil liability protection for attorney’s fees and indemnity costs in the event you are sued in your civil capacity.  The FEDS policy also includes $200,000 of legal representation coverage per incident for administrative actions and $100,000 of coverage for criminal defense costs. 

Annual premiums for FEDS Protection PLI start at $290.  Additionally, federal managers, supervisors, and law enforcement officers are eligible for a reimbursement of up to 50% the cost of their PLI policy through their agency. To learn more about how a FEDS PLI policy can protect you and your career, visit www.fedsprotection.com or call (866) 955-FEDS, M-F 8:30am-6pm to speak directly to a representative.

*This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.