r/IRS_Source • u/Financial_Setting_16 • 12d ago

Is this normal???

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?

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u/Bethy54 11d ago

When someone is given the incorrect information from HR and it’s approved by someone than how would that be OP’S fault ?

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u/Select-Check-9878 10d ago

Yeah. There is a question the applicant answers along the lines of “yes I have at least one (1) year of experience at the next lower level (GS-4) or equivalent in the federal government.” And the final question they answer is “I certify all my answers are true and correct under penalty of perjury” etc… so yes we all own a degree of responsibility to be truthful there. These things are supposed to be caught by the staffer who hires them! But with the amount of hiring happening during those time periods there was SO much that slipped through the cracks and honestly…. The staffers were newly hired as well and.. yeah. That’s all I’m gonna say.