In the ever-evolving realm of taxes, the annual report from the National Taxpayer Advocate, Erin M. Collins, sheds light on the IRS’s journey through 2023, a year marked by significant transformations. Let’s delve into the key takeaways and challenges faced by taxpayers.
Positive Strides Amid Challenges
Collins’ report acknowledges the IRS’s commendable strides in improving taxpayer services and crafting plans for an enhanced taxpayer experience. Despite considerable success, one area spotlighted for improvement is paper processing, which continues to pose challenges.
Identity Theft Woes and Delayed Assistance
A notable concern highlighted in the report is the extraordinary delays in aiding victims of identity theft. The Identity Theft Victims Assistance (IDTVA) unit faced a backlog, leaving nearly half a million taxpayers waiting nearly 19 months for resolutions. This predicament, affecting a significant number of low-income taxpayers, emphasizes the urgent need for efficient identity theft case resolution.
Amended Returns and Correspondence Delays
Despite clearing the backlog of paper-filed Form 1040, processing amended returns (Form 1040-X) and correspondence posed persistent challenges. The backlog, nearly four times that of the pre-pandemic era, underlines the impact of delays on taxpayers eagerly awaiting their refunds.
Telephone Service Improvements with Lingering Issues
While the IRS achieved an 85% Level of Service on its Accounts Management (AM) telephone lines during the filing season, the report points out that the measure excludes a substantial number of calls. Tax professionals, in particular, faced below-average service, urging the IRS to prioritize enhancements in this area.
ERC Processing Struggles
Employers filing for Employee Retention Credits (ERC) encountered prolonged waits of six months or more for credit processing. The report acknowledges the IRS’s predicament in balancing timely payouts with thorough reviews to prevent fraudulent claims.
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