U.S. Sens. Todd Young (R-IN) and Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) have introduced legislation that would help Americans navigate challenges with the Internal Revenue Service.
The legislation, the Strengthening Taxpayer Advocacy Act, would empower the Taxpayer Advocacy Service (TAS) to help taxpayers, especially those facing financial hardship or delays, or those unable to get their problems resolved through normal challenges. Young and Lujan, both members of the Senate Committee on Finance, said their legislation would ensure the TAS is available, even during times of bureaucratic delays, lack of access to records, or during government shutdowns.
“Too many Hoosiers know the frustration of trying to resolve an issue with the IRS and getting stuck in bureaucratic red tape,” Young said. “The Taxpayer Advocate Service plays an important role in supporting taxpayers who need help navigating those challenges. Whether someone is waiting on a refund, trying to correct an error, or dealing with a tax return issue that has gone unresolved for too long, Americans deserve responsive, effective assistance.”
The legislation would extend the National Taxpayer Advocate’s independent personnel authority to all TAS officers and employees, including national office staff while requiring IRS access for TAS to relevant taxpayer return information, chief counsel legal advice, meetings and data needed to fulfill their TAS duties. The legislation also repeals an unused statute-of-limitations extension triggered by written TAS assistance requests, and authorizes the IRS and TAS to incur obligations during a shutdown to assist taxpayers facing economic hardship.
“The Taxpayer Advocate Service is critical for New Mexicans in every corner of the state and Americans who are stuck in the IRS system and need help,” Lujan said. “Whether it’s a family waiting on a delayed refund, a senior dealing with an incorrect tax bill, or a small business trying to resolve an IRS error, taxpayers deserve timely, effective assistance.”