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Highlights from the National Taxpayer Advocate Report

Posted by Brandon Keim | Jan 24, 2025 | 0 Comments

Every year, the National Taxpayer Advocate, an independent organization with the  IRS, submits a report to Congress. This annual report highlights the most pressing problems for the IRS as well as recommendations to make the IRS more effective.

The 2023 report referred to the year as one of “extraordinary transitions” for the IRS. This is partially due to an increase in funding to the IRS, which has allowed the agency to reduce backlog, hire more staff, and ramp up audits. 

The report highlights:

·        The ten most serious problems facing the IRS

·        Administrative and legislative recommendations

·        Research

·        Any other relevant data or information 

Ten Most Serious Problems

The 2023 report's ten most serious problems that taxpayers faced during the year. These are worth mentioning partially because the IRS is already working to correct some of them. The increase in funding, for example, has already helped reduce wait times and increased hiring.

Other problems taxpayers encountered:

·        Difficulty connecting with and communicating with the IRS, both over the phone and in person

·        Insufficient transparency

·        The need for minimum competency standards for individuals who prepare tax returns

·        Delays in assisting taxpayers who have been victims of identity theft

·        Need for expanding online services and accounts

·        Inefficient handling of International Information Return Penalties

·        For taxpayers who are living abroad, compliance challenges

·        Concerns about the impartiality of the Office of Appeals

Recommendations

The 2023 report highlighted a few areas where the IRS either already has or is planning to make recommendations to address these problems. Some of these potential improvements include:

·        Expanded online options, including e-filing

·        Improve not only hiring but also maintaining key relationships

·        Improve training for all IRS employees

These changes are unlikely to happen overnight or even in a few years. Overall, though, some of these recommendations may, in time, make it easier for taxpayers to navigate the tax system.

Senior Partner, Tax Controversy Attorney, and former IRS attorney Brandon A. Keim stays up-to-date on current and potential changes to tax laws to help his clients prepare for and anticipate their taxes. Call him at (602) 200-7399 or contact him online to discuss your options.

About the Author

Brandon Keim

A Certified Tax Law Specialist, CPA, partner at Frazer Ryan Goldberg & Arnold LLP, and former Senior IRS Trial Attorney, Brandon Keim holds an LL.M. in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center.

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