August 11, 2022 – In my previous blog post , I discussed the challenges taxpayers face when searching for information on IRS.gov. In this post, I will examine how the visual layout of IRS.gov adds unnecessary complexity and how duplicative, … Read More
NTA Blog
NTA Blog: IRS.gov – How Usable Is It? (Part One)
August 9, 2022- I would like to zoom out and look at the larger picture – the usability of IRS.gov. In this two-part series, I will discuss three aspects of IRS.gov: the search engine, visual layout, and website content and … Read More
NTA Blog: IRS Deputy Commissioners Respond to Taxpayer Advocate Directive on Scanning Technology; National Taxpayer Advocate Appeals Decision to IRS Commissioner
August 4, 2022 – Throughout my tenure as the National Taxpayer Advocate, I have appreciated the ongoing exchange of ideas and information with my IRS colleagues as we work collaboratively to improve the taxpayer experience, including accelerating the payment of tax … Read More
NTA Blog: Do You Need to Electronically Sign a Tax Form That Cannot Be E-Filed? Make it Digital.
June 30, 2022 – For the more than 40 forms that cannot be e-filed, the IRS permits paper filing of those forms with an electronic or digital signature through a temporary policy through October 31, 2023. While the IRS makes no … Read More
NTA Blog: Beginning Today, Some of Our Nation’s Most Vulnerable Taxpayers Will Automatically Have Their Accounts Excluded From Assignment to Private Collection Agencies
June 24, 2022 – Since 2018, TAS has been urging the IRS to stop assigning to private collection agencies (PCAs) the accounts of taxpayers who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). In 2019, Congress passed … Read More
NTA Blog: Apply for a rewarding career with Taxpayer Advocate Service. You too can make a meaningful impact on peoples’ lives every day.
June 8, 2022 – After several decades of working in the tax controversy arena, both in the private sector and with the Office of Chief Counsel, I am amazed at how many people have never heard of or availed themselves … Read More
NTA Blog: You’re Never Too Old to File a Return – Taxes and the Elderly
May 19. 2022 – Taxpayers who are winding down full-time work may think that they can also wind down their tax return filing requirements. However, taxpayers are never too old to have a filing requirement. Taxpayers who are winding down … Read More
NTA Blog: Low-Income Taxpayers Encounter Communication Barriers That Hinder Correspondence Audit Resolution
May 19. 2022 – Many taxpayers experience difficulties with correspondence audits. Once a return is selected for examination, the IRS notifies the taxpayer by letter and, as the name implies, conducts the audit via correspondence. Correspondence audit letters fail … Read More
NTA Blog: Despite Operating Legally in Many States, Marijuana-Related Businesses Face Significant Federal Income Tax Law Challenges
May 10, 2022 – As the National Taxpayer Advocate, I am the voice of *all* taxpayers within the IRS. As such, my office assists many different types of taxpayers in resolving tax problems with the IRS. As the National … Read More
NTA Blog: IRS Online Accounts Do Not Have Sufficient Functionality and Integration With Existing Tools to Meet the Needs of Taxpayers and Tax Professionals
April 28, 2022 – The IRS has yet to develop and adopt a one-stop solution for online and digital offerings that combines communications and interactions with individual and business taxpayers as well as with tax professionals. In my 2021 Annual … Read More