Report: IRS might get rid of non-English language tax services

The Internal Revenue Service, as part of President Donald Trump’s executive order that designates English as the official language of the United States, is now considering eliminating multilingual services. The Washington Post reports that Attorney General Pam Bondi issued guidance during the week of July 13, instructing managers to develop plans to phase out what she called unnecessary multilingual services and options.

According to the Post, Bondi’s directive aims to redirect funding toward programs that promote English proficiency and assimilation.

The guidance states: “A shared language binds Americans together, transcending different backgrounds to create a common foundation for public discourse, government operations and civic life, while leaving ample room for vibrant linguistic diversity that thrives in private and community spheres.”

The order

Trump signed the executive order on March 1, declaring that it’s in America’s best interests to have one official language – English – though federal law does not require the U.S. to designate one.

His order stated, “Establishing English as the official language will not only streamline communication but also reinforce shared national values, and create a more cohesive and efficient society.”

The Post report indicates that Treasury Department officials are reevaluating how the IRS serves non-English speaking taxpayers, given the agency’s current requirement to assist individuals who lack fluency in English.

Doing taxes in other languages

Carlos Lopez, who runs a tax preparation service in Salinas, California, told the Post, “Somebody is calling usually because they have a problem, and if they can’t get through to someone who speaks their language, it just delays everything.”

Lopez added that many callers are seeking free tax advice, and if they don’t get it, chances are they won’t pay their taxes.

However, the IRS did renew its contract with phone interpreter services in March, following pressure from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Senior IRS and Treasury Department officials reportedly believe such interpreter services remain essential.

The contract is set to expire before the end of the year, and it is unclear if it will be extended or renewed.
During Donald Trump’s first term, then-IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig led efforts to expand language access, including providing tax-filing forms in Spanish and translation services for multiple tax documents in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Russian.