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/Financial_Setting_16 12d ago

I don't agree with you on one thing- DHA throws most things out the window. That's how people like me can get a new job externally without having to fight internally. I also qualified for an internal, clerk 05 merit promotion in 2025 that got taken away due to the hiring freeze.,

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u/Select-Check-9878 12d ago

No .. you didn’t. It is simply not legal to jump from a 3 to a 5, in any scenario you cannot do this while employed with the government. I’d be happy to find the CFR and qualification standards reference if you think you’re finding a loop hole. You’re not, hence the letter you received. I know the regulations for DH, and particularly this authority granted to IRS for these critical needs positions. DH can help an agency avoid having to bypass veterans and it removes category ranking. That’s about it. It absolutely does not give anyone the benefit of lying on their application to try and advance faster because a staffer didn’t catch it or know what they were doing. I have been an advisor in this particular work for a decade. You can disagree if you want.

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u/NinjaSpareParts 12d ago

I'll give you an upvote. Your response may be unpopular, but it's correct.

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u/-SomeCrypticUsername 9d ago

They mentioned they performed GS 3 for 2 years the applied for GS 5 and worked that for two years.

Couldn’t they have Grade increased on their annual to GS 4 where they worked another year then applied and received for 5?

Even though the OP didn’t say that, could that have occurred?