This legislation, titled the "Improving IRS Customer Service Act," seeks to significantly enhance the services provided to taxpayers by the Internal Revenue Service. A core provision requires the IRS to establish a public website dashboard displaying real-time information on phone wait times, including the number of callers waiting, longest wait times, and callback availability for various phone extensions. This dashboard will also provide monthly summaries of call statistics and an application programming interface (API) for external use, alongside information regarding significant delays in processing tax returns and other documents. The bill also mandates expanded electronic access for taxpayers to monitor their tax returns and refunds through a website and mobile application. This includes providing individualized, specific, and up-to-date information on whether a return has been received, processed, or suspended, along with details on refund issuance or reasons for processing delays. Furthermore, it requires the development of enhanced online accounts , allowing taxpayers to view documents sent by or filed with the IRS, respond to notices electronically, and grant authorized representatives access to their information, with safeguards against unauthorized disclosure. In an effort to improve taxpayer support, the bill expresses a sense of Congress that taxpayers should have the option to receive a callback for calls unanswered within five minutes. It also directs the IRS to establish a program to identify taxpayers experiencing economic hardship and inform them of available collection alternatives, such as partial payment agreements or offers-in-compromise. Finally, the legislation amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the National Taxpayer Advocate to publish monthly performance statistics for local offices and provide an online tool estimating case resolution times, thereby increasing transparency and accountability.
This legislation, titled the "Improving IRS Customer Service Act," seeks to significantly enhance the services provided to taxpayers by the Internal Revenue Service. A core provision requires the IRS to establish a public website dashboard displaying real-time information on phone wait times, including the number of callers waiting, longest wait times, and callback availability for various phone extensions. This dashboard will also provide monthly summaries of call statistics and an application programming interface (API) for external use, alongside information regarding significant delays in processing tax returns and other documents. The bill also mandates expanded electronic access for taxpayers to monitor their tax returns and refunds through a website and mobile application. This includes providing individualized, specific, and up-to-date information on whether a return has been received, processed, or suspended, along with details on refund issuance or reasons for processing delays. Furthermore, it requires the development of enhanced online accounts , allowing taxpayers to view documents sent by or filed with the IRS, respond to notices electronically, and grant authorized representatives access to their information, with safeguards against unauthorized disclosure. In an effort to improve taxpayer support, the bill expresses a sense of Congress that taxpayers should have the option to receive a callback for calls unanswered within five minutes. It also directs the IRS to establish a program to identify taxpayers experiencing economic hardship and inform them of available collection alternatives, such as partial payment agreements or offers-in-compromise. Finally, the legislation amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the National Taxpayer Advocate to publish monthly performance statistics for local offices and provide an online tool estimating case resolution times, thereby increasing transparency and accountability.