Pros
Federal employment has great benefits. The position comes with training however it is far from what you need to be fully prepared. It can be interesting if you like dealing with complex tax questions and constant change.
Cons
Once in the IRS it is not as easy to move to different positions as believed. The service centers are call centers and run like commercial call centers with the same demands for handling time, etc. and your work is randomly reviewed several times a month which is what defines your entire month. Supervisors are moved around frequently and without warning and your work/life satisfaction can change overnight. Layoffs come with very short warning and sometimes the same day. The hours are challenging 6am to 2:30 pm. For some that works for others it's exhausting. The other shift available is 3pm to 11:30. You can not file a extension or an amended return or have an installment agreement for taxes owed so make sure you get it right and paid in full. The current political environment has resulted in longer layoffs, sequestration, no pay increases for 3 years and then only a 1% increase, and no more education benefits.