NATP supports congressional push for IRS action ahead of 2023 tax season
The IRS’s backlog of unprocessed tax returns has only increased since its pledge to work on the issue, according to a recent report from the National Taxpayer Advocate, leaving the IRS in a critical state that could adversely impact taxpayers and preparers ahead of the 2023 tax season.
Earlier this year, the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP), as part of the Tax Professionals United for Taxpayer Relief Coalition, sent a letter to the IRS asking for relief for taxpayers and to address the backlog. NATP is once again urging the IRS to act swiftly, as it supports a push from Congress this week with a letter sent to IRS Commissioner Rettig to address the increased backlog and dismal hiring numbers.
The letter was sent on behalf of 93 members of the House and Senate, led by Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and Representatives Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), stating the IRS should “take additional steps to improve customer service issues, decrease processing delays and work-down the backlog of paper returns and correspondence by continuing the maximum use of overtime and surge teams.”
The letter continues, “Additionally, the IRS must improve its recruitment and retention efforts to adequately address the backlog and increase levels of taxpayer service.”
NATP CEO Scott Artman, CPA, CGMA, said the association is pleased to endorse the request for action by its members.
“NATP has always been and will continue to be an outspoken advocate of the need for expeditious solutions for the current IRS return backlogs and processing delays,” Artman said. “It’s concerning to see these issues are not being solved as quickly as promised. It is imperative to address the increasing backlog and lack of taxpayer relief before the 2023 tax season.”
The National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) is the largest nonprofit organization that works exclusively for tax professionals. We serve members through education, advocacy and community, providing the tools they need to navigate the tax code and the insights the media can trust.
Looking for a tax expert? Tom O’Saben, EA, director of tax content and government relations at NATP, is available for phone or video interviews to discuss federal tax topics, including tax law change and its implications, taxpayer issues, tax preparer regulation and more. To schedule an interview with O’Saben, contact [email protected] or [email protected].