IRS Expansion Means Faster Tax Support & More Access to Tax Credits

Often, people aren’t excited about filing their taxes. It’s a lot of work and can be complicated. But, over the past few years, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has worked to make the process easier and more accessible to Americans. 

When President Biden’s administration passed the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022, one of its goals was to make the tax code fairer. To do that, the IRS received additional funding to expand its services, and that could have big benefits for you.

Getting Your Taxes Right the First Time

One issue that can cause people to lose out on tax credits is making mistakes when the original form is filed. To help taxpayers get it right the first time, the IRS has made it easier to reach out for support over the phone, in person, and online. They have done this by upgrading some of their services and hiring more customer service representatives to answer questions. 

In addition to wider availability of customer service and support, the IRS is working to bring in-person support to underserved areas with temporary Taxpayer Assistance Centers. These centers allow individuals in rural and low-income communities to get help on their taxes. In addition to setting up temporary Assistance Centers, the IRS has also opened or reopened Taxpayer Assistance Centers in communities across the country.

This increased access to support can help you make sure you’re filing your taxes correctly and receiving all the tax credits you’re eligible for. 

Improving Online Tax Filing and Support

The world has gone digital, and through support received in the Inflation Reduction Act, the IRS is catching up. In the next five years, taxpayers will be able to securely file their documents, review their tax history, and respond to notices online. 

While not all these features are available yet, the IRS is making progress. You can now use your secure individual account to send messages, use live chat for help, and access a virtual assistant. 

Additionally, the IRS is working to expand the forms that you can access and submit via your mobile device. This will allow those who use their phones as their main source of internet access to complete forms and get support from the IRS. 

Modernizing Equipment 

In today’s world, technology is constantly changing and evolving. Knowing this, the IRS has used some of the support from the Inflation Reduction Act to modernize its equipment. This includes new scanners and mail sorting machines that allow for faster opening and sorting of paper returns. Speeding up this process means that you, the taxpayer, could see your refund check sooner. 

Ensuring People Pay What They Owe

One final way that the IRS is seeking to make the tax code fairer is by pursuing tax evaders and cracking down on high-income individuals who aren’t filing their taxes. Making sure that each taxpayer pays their share makes the tax code fairer, which is better for everyone.