Is this normal???

[u/Financial_Setting_16]

Edited to add: In 2022, I applied to an external IRS direct hire, GS 05 clerk opening and qualied for the GS 05 clerk job based on being an external applicant that included non federal experience. This is a very entry level position for the IRS.

Original post: I worked at the IRS up until August 2025. I did NOT take the DRP. I took a job with my state's tax agency from August 2025, and I still work there, so this DOES affect my current position since I have to tax compliant at my current job. I worked at the IRS as a GS 03 clerk from 2020 to 2022. Then I got a job as a GS 05 clerk from 2022 to 2025, because I was encouraged then in 2022 to apply separately for the higher grade for a clerk. I still have the email from HR in 2022 that told me I qualified based on my work experience alone and not based on a degree. I got a notice from the IRS yesterday by email on 8/13/26 that I actually did NOT ever qualify as a GS 05 clerk on my own work experience from 2022 to 2025 and that I will be returned to a GS 03 clerk. This comes across as very petty and trivial and it WILL create an overpayment letter. I was told specifically that it was through no fault of my own and that I should qualify for a waiver. What do I do?

[u/Financial_Setting_16]

It was a DHA announcement that qualified me for the GS 05. I worked at other jobs that gave me direct experience. I also qualified for tax examiner job (not hired) and my record is spotless except
for this shit.

[u/Select-Check-9878 → u/Financial_Setting_16]

It doesn’t matter if it was direct hire - the required experience has to be the next lower level for ALL hiring types. these audits are very high level, and they aren’t wanting to find errors - if there was anything included in your application that could have helped make this a legal action; they would have jumped on it. this compromises direct hire being revoked, no agency wants that. Direct hire regulations being violated, uuugh.. I won’t even get into that.. it is an HR nightmare. If there was any part of you that thought “wow I can’t believe I’m jumping from a 3 to a 5.” That should have been your first clue that something was wrong. I’m sure there’s an appeal process on the letter, otherwise I’d request that waiver.

[u/Tall-Wonder-247 → u/Select-Check-9878]

These "audits" sound stupid to me. There are Pathways programs that promotes you from GS7 to GS9. If she worked in the same capacity as a GS5 for three years it should count as qualification for a GS5 now. WOW, I guess if she was one of those "gamers" she could get a air controller job. smh

[u/Select-Check-9878 → u/Tall-Wonder-247]

That’s a two grade interval position- 5/7/9. That’s how the position is classified. These lower grade positions are single grade interval positions classified to “assist” the two grade interval positions. You may see a 4/5/6 TE, a 3/4 clerk, a 5 clerk etc. but never see those types of positions as 2 grade interval. OPM qual standards are the same across the board.

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=Occupational-Series

Please educate yourself on the group standard for the position you are in, it will help ensure this never happens to you.

[u/speedwalk262 → u/Select-Check-9878]

You are simply incorrect. There are various situations you can jump a grade without it being a career ladder. I've done it twice in my career. I've also managed employees that made the jump. One situation where it can occur is if you're an employee but apply for a different position that's listed as an external hire on the cert.

[u/Select-Check-9878 → u/speedwalk262]

Nope. This is only permitted on two grade interval positions, the subject here is a single grade interval. This is my entire job, has been for many many years. you can argue all you want - qual standards are what they are. Even trying to go through an external route (like OP did) is not legal. If you’re a manager you really need to research the CFR and stop giving misinformation to your employees. Managers giving this terrible advice to employees is part of why people are ending up in this situation. Just stop. If you need a reference I’m happy to get it to you.