Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy and Mark Warner have introduced a new bill aimed at enhancing customer service at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The legislation, known as the Improving IRS Customer Service Act, seeks to expand online information about refunds for taxpayers and requires the IRS to inform those applying for installment agreements about collection alternatives if they face economic hardship.

"It should be easy for taxpayers to get the information they need from the IRS. Not every interaction with them has to be miserable," stated Dr. Cassidy. "We can streamline the process and give Americans the transparency they expect."

Senator Warner added, "The IRS has been the source of massive headaches for taxpayers for years. I am glad to introduce this legislation that will ease some of this frustration by increasing clear communication and making IRS resources more readily available."

Pete Sepp, President of the National Taxpayers Union, expressed support for the bill: "By introducing the Improving IRS Customer Service Act, Senator Warner and Senator Cassidy have earned the gratitude of every taxpayer who’s ever had to contend with the IRS’s notoriously inconsistent customer service." He noted that reforms such as a wait-time dashboard, better access to refund information, customer callback technologies, and fairer measurement of IRS service levels would address long-standing issues faced by taxpayers.

Melanie Lauridsen from the American Institute of CPAs also endorsed S. 5280: "The AICPA strongly supports the legislative proposals outlined in S. 5280... Collectively, these proposals will strengthen the public’s confidence in the tax administration system." She emphasized that these measures aim to protect economically vulnerable taxpayers by eliminating installment agreement fees and offering alternative solutions.