With the exception of those who actually work at the IRS, no one really knows exactly what it’s like behind those formidable, metaphoric doors. But what we can do is help our clients understand why this tax season, and let’s face it – the last few tax seasons, have been a challenge, to say the least. Here’s what you need to know, and what you need to get through this tax season.
Backlogs at the IRS
The tax deadline of April 18 has just passed, but that doesn’t mean our work is done. The IRS, and therefore CPAs across the country, are behind schedule by more than just a few weeks. The IRS is dealing with major backlogs dating back to 2021.
Why the backlog?
Blame the pandemic, of course. At the height of the pandemic and shutdowns, the agency was receiving more than 1,500 calls per second, according to Chief IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig in his written testimony. Today, the agency is making progress on processing taxpayer documentation, but written correspondence remains a problem. Letters are going out notifying taxpayers of delinquencies even though the taxpayer has already submitted their forms – the IRS just hasn’t gotten to it yet. It’s causing a lot of confusion and even more work.
With additional funding and resources, the IRS says they are on schedule to be clear of the backlog by the end of this year.
What can you do?
Be patient. Understand that we, as CPAs, do not have a back door or secret phone line to get to the IRS. They’re not answering our calls, either so in the chaos we all need to be patient and understanding. Our team is working hard to get done what we can, and we’ll be here as long as it takes.
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