WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began laying off workers late last week, according to an email sent to staff, and one of the first groups affected will be employees in the civil rights office.

Earlier, Reuters reported that more than 20,000 IRS workers would lose their jobs. A source confirmed this number, saying that about 20 percent to 25 percent of the IRS workforce will be let go.

The Washington Post first reported the start of the layoffs and the shutdown of the civil rights office.

These job cuts are part of a larger plan to reduce the size of the federal government. To date, over 200,000 government jobs have been eliminated. President Donald Trump has asked billionaire Elon Musk to help lead this effort to shrink and reorganize government agencies.

According to an internal email, the IRS is implementing a "Reduction in Force," which means job cuts will be made across multiple departments.

The email also stated that 75 percent of the IRS's civil rights office—previously known as the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)—will be eliminated. The few remaining workers will be moved to a different office.

Trump has signed executive orders to shut down DEI programs, which he claims are unfair. Civil rights groups have strongly criticized these moves, arguing that DEI efforts are crucial in addressing long-standing inequalities.

The email stated that the layoffs will occur in stages.

This comes at a hectic time for the IRS, as the tax filing deadline for most people is April 15.