They may be applying pressure to get the remaining 87,000 new IRS agents approved and hired.
That or there are so many illegals stealing SSNs that they really do need to be sure.
EC
IRS is woefully behind schedule in hiring new agents. Their goal was for 4000 this fiscal year. So far, they've hired less than 500.
Their biggest problem is the pay rate, it's at a GS-7 level, or about $45K per year. Private sector accountants are starting at $60K and higher.
The background checks and drug testing add to the time and hassle of working for the IRS.
I purposely underpay on my tax return. Identity thieves stay away from me, attempts to get a fraudulent return are immediately rejected.