In a letter to leaders of the U.S. Congress, the National Association of Tax Professionals warned the current government shutdown and Internal Revenue Service cutbacks are beginning to strike at the core of the IRS's ability to serve taxpayers.
The NATP sent the letter on Nov. 3 to House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota, and to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York, citing the IRS workforce reduction and its impact on taxpayers, as well as its impact on the tax system overall.
"Each day of this government shutdown chips away at the IRS's capacity to serve taxpayers and support small businesses," wrote NATP CEO Scott Artman. "Tax professionals are doing their best to prepare for filing season, but without a functioning IRS, they're operating in the dark"
"Many IRS employees responsible for taxpayer services, return processing and system maintenance have already been displaced, leaving the remaining staff stretched thin," he continued.
The impact on taxpayers, Artman added, could include the stress of delayed refunds and more disruption to help lines and assistance centers
"Preparing the IRS for the implementation of new tax law, including the comprehensive reforms proposed in the OBBBA, requires time, coordination and stable operations. Ongoing disruption places those conditions at risk," Artman added. "Penalties and interest continue to accrue for taxpayers with open cases even when IRS offices are closed or unreachable. Suspending these charges during shutdowns would protect taxpayers from unjust financial consequences beyond their control.
"Tax professionals cannot effectively assist clients when IRS systems are offline or correspondence is backlogged," he said. "Tax professionals are doing their best to prepare for filing season, but without a functioning IRS, they're operating in the dark."
