Elon Musk's DOGE seeks access to IRS taxpayer data, AP reports

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency is attempting to access sensitive taxpayer data at the IRS.

According to the Associated Press, Musk and his agency could have access to millions of files that include taxpayer information, bank records and other sensitive documents. 

Individuals who spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity told the news outlet that DOGE is trying to gain access to the IRS’ Integrated Data Retrieval System, which allows employees to have visual access to certain taxpayer accounts. 

RELATED: Judge blocks DOGE access to sensitive Treasury Department payment system records

What they're saying:

Harrison Fields, a White House spokesperson, said that "waste, fraud, and abuse have been deeply entrenched in our broken system for far too long. It takes direct access to the system to identify and fix it," according to an emailed statement obtained by the AP. 

"DOGE will continue to shine a light on the fraud they uncover as the American people deserve to know what their government has been spending their hard earned tax dollars on," Fields concluded.

According to the AP, Democratic legislators are trying to fight against DOGE plans to access IRS data. 

RELATED: Trump, Musk defend DOGE's work: 'We found fraud and abuse' 

Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., sent a letter Monday to acting IRS Commissioner Douglas O’Donnell, demanding copies of any memos that would give IRS system access to Musk or DOGE. 

Wyden and Warren are also seeking justifications for DOGE efforts to examine tax returns and private bank records.

RELATED: Elon Musk's DOGE setting its sights on the penny

"We are also extremely concerned that DOGE personnel meddling with IRS systems in the middle of tax filing season could, inadvertently or otherwise, cause breakdowns that may delay the issuance of tax refunds indefinitely," according to the letter. "Any delay in refunds could be financially devastating to millions of Americans who plan their budgets around timely refunds every spring."

The backstory:

News of Musk and DOGE attempting to access IRS taxpayer data comes as the IRS is set to lay off thousands of probationary workers in the middle of tax season, with the job cuts possibly happening this week. 

The AP noted that IRS workers involved in the 2025 tax season were told they will not be allowed to accept a buyout offer from the Trump administration until after the taxpayer filing deadline, per a letter sent recently to IRS employees.

Separately, attorneys general from 14 states challenged the authority of DOGE to access sensitive government data at the Treasury Department in a lawsuit filed last week.

The Washington Post first reported on DOGE’s plans to access taxpayer data.