Equity, diversity and inclusion at IRS

The IRS has a strong and steadfast commitment to ensuring equity, diversity and inclusion are integrated in the policies, procedures and practices used to carry out our mission. This commitment not only extends throughout the IRS workforce but to the taxpayers, tax practitioners and the communities with whom we engage.

We see equity, diversity and inclusion as essential, everyday responsibilities for executives, leaders and employees at every level. And we see them as being critical to our mission, our workplace and our customers.

IRS is proud to be ranked fourth on CAREERS & the disABLED magazine's 2016 list of top government employers. Readers selected government agencies for which they would most prefer to work or believe provide a positive working environment for people with disabilities.

Diversity and inclusion is critical to our:

Our equity, diversity and inclusion efforts are aimed at creating a workplace environment that taps into the unique talents and strengths of different employees to improve our ability to meet the vastly diverse needs of American taxpayers and achieve our organization's mission.

We're in the business of serving taxpayers. We can't serve them well without understanding who they are. Our processes and interactions have to meet their needs. Taking advantage of the diversity of our workforce drives us toward better solutions and service for our customers.

IRS Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement

IRS definitions of equity, diversity and inclusion

• Equity: Equity is about ensuring fairness and respect. It means employees feel supported, valued, trusted and able to achieve their personal best, and it means taxpayers and other stakeholders are treated equally. Equity encompasses legal obligations and requirements for non-discrimination, civil rights, reasonable accommodation and equal employment opportunity.
• Diversity: At IRS, diversity is a broad concept that encompasses all the differences that employees bring to work. Diversity, therefore, includes the traditional focus around race and gender, but also includes diversity of thought, ideas, backgrounds and experiences.
• Inclusion: Inclusion, one of IRS' core values, is the leveraging and engagement of every employee's unique strengths and talents so that each individual can contribute to his or her full potential.
• Diversity & inclusion: Diversity coupled with inclusion is a long-term business strategy that will help fuel the innovative outcomes and continual improvement necessary for future success.

Affirmative employment – Disability

The IRS is committed to expanding employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, particularly targeted disabilities. The Service not only engages in outreach and recruitment but strives to eliminate any barriers to participation at all levels of our organization so individuals with disabilities may have long, rewarding careers with the IRS. 

The IRS affords reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities in accordance with applicable law and regulation. Information on requesting accommodation in connection with applying for a job is contained in the IRS’s job vacancy announcements. Current or soon to be IRS employees may request reasonable accommodation in connection with onboarding/orientation, training, performing job duties or any other aspect of employment by contacting us via email at ra.form.13661@irs.gov or fax at 855-679-8653.

The IRS offers assistance with eating, drinking, dressing, undressing, using restroom facilities or other activities of daily living to on duty employees who due to having certain disabilities are unable to perform such tasks for themselves. For more information see Personal Assistance Services.