Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is reportedly attempting to gain access to sensitive taxpayer data maintained by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), raising concerns among lawmakers and privacy advocates.
According to the Associated Press, Musk’s agency could potentially access millions of taxpayer files, including bank records and other confidential financial documents.
Efforts to Access IRS Systems
Sources speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity revealed that DOGE is seeking entry into the IRS’ Integrated Data Retrieval System. This system provides IRS employees with direct access to taxpayer accounts, allowing them to review financial details.
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White House Response
Harrison Fields, a White House spokesperson, defended the initiative, stating in an email obtained by the AP:
“Waste, fraud, and abuse have been deeply entrenched in our broken system for far too long. It takes direct access to the system to identify and fix it.”
Fields further emphasized that DOGE intends to expose fraudulent activities, adding:
“DOGE will continue to shine a light on the fraud they uncover, as the American people deserve to know what their government has been spending their hard-earned tax dollars on.”
Congressional Opposition
Democratic lawmakers are pushing back against DOGE’s efforts to access IRS data.
Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent a letter to Acting IRS Commissioner Douglas O’Donnell, demanding documentation regarding any authorizations that would grant Musk or DOGE access to IRS systems. The senators also requested justifications for DOGE’s interest in reviewing tax returns and private bank records.
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Their letter further warned of potential disruptions during tax season:
“We are extremely concerned that DOGE personnel meddling with IRS systems in the middle of tax filing season could, inadvertently or otherwise, cause breakdowns that may delay the issuance of tax refunds indefinitely. Any delay in refunds could be financially devastating to millions of Americans who plan their budgets around timely refunds every spring.”
Context and Broader Implications
News of DOGE’s efforts comes as the IRS prepares to lay off thousands of probationary employees, a move that could occur within days. The AP reported that IRS employees involved in the 2025 tax season have been informed they will not be eligible for a buyout offer from the Trump administration until after the tax filing deadline.
Meanwhile, attorneys general from 14 states have filed a lawsuit challenging DOGE’s authority to access sensitive government data from the Treasury Department.
The Washington Post first broke the story regarding DOGE’s attempt to access IRS taxpayer records.