A bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) to help improve the tax filing process passed in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Feenstra’s bill — the Internal Revenue Service Math and Taxpayer Help (IRS MATH) Act – would require the IRS to clearly communicate tax-filing errors to taxpayers, identify the item that is being changed, and explain why a tax refund is different than expected.
“If the IRS finds a mistake on a tax return – for example when a taxpayer accidentally adds a zero to their reported income – the agency should clearly communicate that error to the taxpayer and explain why a tax refund is different than expected. However, current notices do not contain helpful information, leaving millions of taxpayers confused about how or when to rectify an issue with the IRS,” Feenstra said. “My bill ensures that the IRS clearly spells out errors on tax forms and helps taxpayers not only understand the mistake but also challenge it if they see fit.”
Feenstra said this legislative fix can improve customer service by promoting open and transparent communication between the IRS and the taxpayer.
“When it comes to dealing with the IRS, taxpayers deserve fairness and accountability. Representative Feenstra’s legislation, the Internal Revenue Service Math and Taxpayer Help Act, will level the playing field for taxpayers by requiring individuals to be notified of any adjustments the IRS makes to their tax return due to a math error, explain what the error is, and give taxpayers 60 days to challenge that adjustment,” Chairman of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO) said. “This bill is a win for taxpayers that will deliver better protection for Americans and greater accountability to the IRS.”