In a significant move that seeks to transform the operations and perception of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the end of unannounced visits to taxpayers by tax collection officials has been announced. This decision seeks to reduce public confusion, improve security for both taxpayers and IRS employees, and modernize tax collection practices.
The change in practice
The move, spearheaded by IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel, marks a paradigm shift in the IRS's interactions with taxpayers. Unannounced visits, a decades-long practice, will be replaced by mailed letters scheduling meetings to resolve tax issues. This amendment, effective immediately unless exceptional circumstances exist, is intended to increase confidence in tax administration and ensure greater security for both taxpayers and IRS employees.
Support and reasons behind the change
The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) has endorsed this transformation, highlighting the importance of IRS employee safety and the need to protect those whose roles have experienced increasing risks due to erroneous rhetoric around the IRS and its staff. This swift action reflects Commissioner Werfel's response to concerns raised by union leaders and field collection employees, who have faced risky situations in the performance of their duties.
Reasons for the change
The increase in scammers posing as IRS agents has created confusion and anxiety among taxpayers. Additionally, unannounced visits posed risks to IRS employees, who often faced stressful and uncertain situations in their interactions with taxpayers.
What can taxpayers expect?
Instead of unannounced visits, tax collection officials will communicate via letters to schedule meetings. This will allow taxpayers to be better prepared for meetings and provide the necessary documentation to resolve their cases more efficiently. It should be noted that there will still be exceptional cases where unannounced visits will take place, such as in subpoena situations and sensitive compliance activities involving the seizure of assets.
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