IRS Working to Improve the Client Experience
As we reported last month, the IRS is having a tough time handling the backlog of millions of unprocessed returns and correspondence with a reduced staff. Awareness of the backlog and delays has led the agency to work on improving the client experience during the current tax season. According to a recent press release, “the IRS has been working on important relief for taxpayers and tax professionals, implementing additional ways to help avoid confusion and provide important, meaningful relief during this unprecedented pandemic, which has affected us all.”
In-Person Meetings
New in 2022, the IRS will have face-to-face help available on the second Saturday of the month beginning February 12th from 9 am to 4 pm. No appointments are required. The in-person meetings will take place at specific Taxpayer Assistance Centers across the country.
At this time, only locations open on February 12th are listed on the IRS website. For a complete list of locations open on Saturday, February 12th, click here. Be certain to check this page later for a list of open locations on March 12th; April 9th; and May 14th.
WM WISDOM:
If you do decide to go to a Taxpayer Assistance Center, be prepared.
The IRS follows Centers for Disease Control social distancing guidelines for COVID-19. People are required to wear face masks and social distance at these events.
In addition, the IRS recommends you arrive with the following:
- Current government-issued photo identification,
- Social Security cards for members of their household, including spouse and dependents (if applicable) and
- Any IRS letters or notices received and related documents.
During the visit, IRS staff may also request the following information:
- A current mailing address,
- An email address and
- Bank account information, to receive payments or refunds by direct deposit.
February 12th open locations:
Pennsylvania:
600 Arch Street, Philadelphia PA 19106
New Jersey:
100 Dey Place, Edison, NJ 08817
Delaware:
No locations listed
Florida has three locations:
850 Trafalgar Court., Maitland, FL 32751
51 S.W. First Avenue, Miami, FL 33130
7860 S.W. Sixth Court, Plantation, FL 33324
Automated Notices
The IRS has been taking important steps to modify their operations and provide additional taxpayer relief. Included in this relief is suspending issuance of certain automated notices and related actions. Stopping certain letters and notices to taxpayers will help avoid confusion, especially for those who are still waiting for their 2020 tax return or refund.
Keep in mind that many IRS notices are statutorily required to be issued within a certain timeframe to be legally valid which means the notice must be sent.
Ongoing Assessments
The IRS is continuing to assess other changes and system modifications it may be able to implement to assist taxpayers on an array of issues. We will continue to make information available to taxpayers throughout the filing season.
“The IRS continues to do everything we can to help people during this unprecedented period,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “Opening these assistance centers for special Saturday hours is designed to provide yet another way for people to get the help they need.”
Questions?
Should you have questions about this topic, or any other topics related to your personal or business situation, please contact us at any time.
DISCLAIMER: The WM Update, WM Wednesday Wisdom, WM Daily Update COVID-19, COVID-19 Business Resources, COVID-19 Client News Alerts and other related communications are intended to provide general information, including information regarding legislative COVID-19 relief measures, as of the date of this communication and may reference information from reputable sources. Although our firm has made every reasonable effort to ensure that the information provided is accurate, we make no warranties, expressed or implied, on the information provided. As legislative efforts are still ongoing, we expect that there may be additional guidance and clarification from regulators that may modify some of the provisions in this communication. Some of those modifications may be significant. As such, be aware that this is not a comprehensive analysis of the subject matter covered and is not intended to provide specific recommendations to you or your business with respect to the matters addressed.
