The Internal Revenue Service, commonly known as the IRS, announced it is cutting more than 6,000 jobs by the end of the week.

The cuts are part of a widespread downsizing throughout the federal government. But how does this impact the middle of a busy tax season? CPAs in the area agree it could make the process a bit more difficult.

Over 3,500 of those layoffs are coming from the IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Division. The IRS currently employs nearly 83k people. Other departments in hot water include the Large Business & International Division.

The layoffs are happening just before peak filing season. The IRS states the probationary workers on the chopping block "were not deemed as critical to filing season."

But a handful of Mahoning Valley CPAs agree these layoffs will directly provoke challenges. CPA Ben DiGirolamo with HBK told 21 News on Thursday the IRS hiring rate over recent years has offered more efficient service for tax professionals across the country. He fears the timing of the firings could cause delays in receiving refunds or responses.

"We do everything we can to help our clients with the issues they're dealing with," DiGirolamo said. "As tax professionals, we often step in on our client's behalf when working with the IRS. IRS response times regarding any issue are of concern. We hope this isn't a step backward."

Mahoning Valley CPA Jim Diffley also worries the layoffs could get in the way of tax season, causing delays for tax professionals and people filing their taxes.

DiGirolamo added depending on the type of positions that are eliminated, could also play a major role in the severity of impact.

Experts are recommending tax filers should consider getting their returns in as soon as they can amid the uncertainty.

The union representing IRS workers has asked a judge to delay the layoffs.