The IRS has a strong and steadfast commitment to ensuring equity, diversity and inclusion are integrated in the policies, procedures and practices used to carry out our mission. This commitment not only extends throughout the IRS workforce but to the taxpayers, tax practitioners and the communities with whom we engage.
We see equity, diversity and inclusion as essential, everyday responsibilities for executives, leaders and employees at every level. And we see them as being critical to our mission, our workplace and our customers.
IRS is proud to be ranked fourth on CAREERS & the disABLED magazine’s 2016 list of top government employers. Readers selected government agencies for which they would most prefer to work or believe provide a positive working environment for people with disabilities.
Diversity & Inclusion is critical to our:
Our equity, diversity and inclusion efforts are aimed at creating a workplace environment that taps into the unique talents and strengths of different employees to improve our ability to meet the vastly diverse needs of American taxpayers and achieve our organization’s mission.
"We're in the business of serving taxpayers. We can’t serve them well without understanding who they are. Our processes and interactions have to meet their needs. Taking advantage of the diversity of our workforce drives us toward better solutions and service for our customers.”
IRS Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement
IRS Definitions of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Equity: Equity is about ensuring fairness and respect. It means employees feel supported, valued, trusted and able to achieve their personal best, and it means taxpayers and other stakeholders are treated equally. Equity encompasses legal obligations and requirements for non-discrimination, civil rights, reasonable accommodation and equal employment opportunity.
- Diversity: At IRS, diversity is a broad concept that encompasses all the differences that employees bring to work. Diversity, therefore, includes the traditional focus around race and gender, but also includes diversity of thought, ideas, backgrounds and experiences.
- Inclusion: Inclusion, one of IRS’ core values, is the leveraging and engagement of every employee’s unique strengths and talents so that each individual can contribute to his or her full potential.
- Diversity & Inclusion: Diversity coupled with inclusion is a long-term business strategy that will help fuel the innovative outcomes and continual improvement necessary for future success.