Ever spend any time around an IRS office? It is not something most sane people would do, I admit. However, we have a client that offices in the same building as an IRS regional office. To be there at almost any time is disturbing but to be there at morning, noon or evening would put a taxpaying citizen in orbit.
First, it is the poster child for EEO. I didn’t know human beings came in so many colors, shapes and sizes. Second, it takes a long time to get to work in the morning. They trickle in for a looong time. Third, lunch is an event not to be missed. It starts early and ends late. Then there is the mandated, er encouraged, exercise period where a few turns around the parking garage are made, very few, and a lot of talking takes place. Now, the clock has a very long 16:30 that seems to start about 15:00 but it does not go beyond 16:30. Do not be anywhere near the doors in this period if you value your safety. Finally, there is the smoke break that seems to last all day for some.
The very scary thing is that these people all have access to your SSN, your bank accounts and know exactly how much you make.
I’ll tell you what I did notice at the local IRS chamber of horrors, apparently diversity only applies to the employees. White Americans were the only taxpayers making “command appearances” at the IRS offices any time I was there.