Why the IRS Is Breaking and What Taxpayers Need to Know Now

What started as a conversation about making taxes approachable turned into a revealing deep dive into the current state of the IRS — and why taxpayers, practitioners, and business owners are feeling the fallout.

In this special episode of The Lyon Share Podcast, Ed Lyon is joined by tax attorneys and tax communicators Mary Lundstedt and Ashlee Hall for an unfiltered discussion on IRS dysfunction, ERC chaos, audit bottlenecks, and why accountability matters more than ever.

This episode pulls back the curtain on what’s really happening inside the IRS, how technology and staffing cuts are colliding, and why even correct tax positions are being denied without review.

Mary Lundstedt
Tax attorney, former Bloomberg and Thomson Reuters professional, and co-creator of a growing tax education community on LinkedIn. Mary specializes in tax controversy, IRS accountability, and making complex tax issues understandable — and sometimes even entertaining.

Ashlee Hall
Tax attorney and former Deloitte professional with deep experience in ERC, IRS audits, appeals, and proactive tax planning. Ashlee bridges planning and controversy, helping taxpayers navigate both opportunity and enforcement.

Staffing cuts, decentralization, outdated systems, and failed automation efforts are creating longer delays, misrouted cases, and unexplained denials.

How AI-driven ERC denials clogged courts, froze legitimate refunds, and exposed serious flaws in IRS decision-making.

A shocking reality most taxpayers don’t know — and why it should concern everyone.

Why AI can’t fix broken systems built on decades-old databases and magnetic tape.

Experienced tax professionals increasingly spend time teaching IRS agents how the law applies — instead of the other way around.

How recent Supreme Court rulings challenge unchecked regulatory power and what it means for tax enforcement.

Reduced enforcement staffing without functional systems leaves taxpayers trapped in unresolved disputes.

• Fewer IRS agents does not mean fewer problems

• Legitimate claims are being denied without review

• Technology alone cannot replace trained professionals

• ERC exposed systemic failures that affect all taxpayers

• Accountability matters more than ever

• Preparation and documentation are essential defenses

“There is no statute requiring the IRS to issue your refund.”
“The IRS is denying first and reviewing later — if ever.”
“We’re no longer just representing taxpayers. We’re educating the IRS.”
“Technology doesn’t fix chaos — infrastructure does.”

• Business owners and entrepreneurs

• Tax professionals and advisors

• ERC claimants

• Anyone worried about audits or refunds

• Taxpayers who want to understand enforcement risk

This isn’t about politics.
It’s about process, fairness, and what happens when systems fail.

Understanding the current IRS environment helps taxpayers:

• Set realistic expectations

• Protect themselves proactively

• Avoid panic when issues arise

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About the GuestsKey Topics CoveredWhy the IRS is more chaotic than everERC fallout and “Disallowance Gate”No law requiring the IRS to issue refundsTechnology without infrastructurePractitioners now educate the IRSLoper Bright and agency overreachWhy small government without preparation creates bigger problemsKey TakeawaysMemorable QuotesWho Should ListenWhy This Episode MattersConnect & Subscribe