U.S. Sens. Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) are espousing the benefits of recently introduced legislation they maintain would aid in increased taxpayer services quality.
Legislation proponents noted the Taxpayer Advocate Enhancement Act (S. 1283) would amend the law to enable the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) to hire the necessary staff possessing qualifications critical to helping taxpayers resolve Internal Revenue Service (IRS) problems.
“Congress created the National Taxpayer Advocate to serve as a strong, independent voice in the administration who answers only to the American taxpayers and Congress,” said Cardin, who serves on the Senate Finance Committee with Cassidy. “Taxpayers need to know there is someone on their side, working on their behalf every day. Our legislation will allow the Taxpayer Advocate Service to be more effective with the right resources to provide quality service and counsel.”
The Office of the Taxpayer Advocate was created through the Portman-Cardin Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998. It was established to assist taxpayers in resolving IRS problems; identify areas where taxpayers have problems dealing with the IRS; provide recommendations on changes to administrative practices to mitigate problems; and recommend legislative changes that might be necessary.
“Sometimes taxpayers need help,” Cassidy said. “This bill creates that help.”