IRS to Give Taxpayers Customer Service Resources This Filing Season
With the 2025 tax filing season underway, the IRS is taking big steps to bolster its customer service resources as demand has increased. The agency now processes millions of taxpayers’ requests for help and finding answers to questions is a time-consuming task that often takes many times longer than it should, with wait times that span hours and the response times that are weeks too long. In response to these issues, the IRS is launching new initiatives focused on enhancing service levels and guaranteeing that taxpayers get the assistance they deserve.
This article will discuss the IRS plan to address the increase in inquiries, measures to enhance customer service, and the potential taxpayer implications in 2025.
Why Is the IRS Investing So Much in Customer Service Resources?
There are several reasons why the demand for IRS customer support has increased over the years. These factors range from a barrage of new tax laws to pandemic-related tax relief programs to the growing complexity of tax filing requirements. This has resulted in many taxpayers grappling with delayed responses, lengthy wait times, and challenges accessing vital information.
Factors driving the increase in demand:
- Pandemic Relief Measures: Due to stimulus checks, tax credits, changes to filing deadlines and more, there has been a huge increase in the number of people needing guidance about their taxes.
- New tax rules: The introduction of new tax laws like cryptocurrency, new deductions, and tax credits led to a higher volume of questions.
- Staffing: The IRS has been struggling to hire and retain employees, making it even more challenging for the agency to provide customer service to the ever-increasing demands.
Improving IRS Customer Service: What Is the IRS Doing?
As the agency looks to battle these challenges, the IRS is leveraging several main tactics to strengthen its customer service ability for the tax filing season rush.
Increased Staffing
The IRS is also hiring more customer service representatives in response to the high volume of calls and inquiries.
Temporary hires and full-time workers are being trained to respond to specialized inquiries, reducing wait times and speeding up responsiveness.
Enhanced Technology
Better Online Tools: The I.R.S. is improving online tools, including the “Where’s My Refund? feature and expanded digital communication channels that expedite self-service options for taxpayers.
Automation and Integration of AI: IRS systems are being integrated with artificial intelligence and automation to perform repetitive tasks so that staff can spend their time on more complex issues.
Extended Operating Hours
The IRS is going to extend their hours of operation so that taxpayers can get assistance when it best fits into their schedules. This encompasses telephone and online support methods.
What Are The Benefits for Taxpayers After These Changes?
With the new IRS customer service resources, taxpayers can expect:
- Reduced Wait Times: The IRS plans to reduce the wait times on the phone significantly with additional staffing and expanded hours.
- Faster Processing From their enhanced technology and automated systems, taxpayers can anticipate a quicker processing of tax returns and refunds.
- Improved Access to Information: Online resources and artificial intelligence fueled services will make it even easier for taxpayers to find information without waiting for someone to help them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get help from the IRS during tax filing season?
Taxpayers calling the IRS should use the official numbers on their site. The IRS is also expanding its hours of operation during tax season to respond to increased demand. There are also online services for accessing key tools like refund status and payment options quickly.
Will the IRS offer more online tools to assist with taxes?
Yes, the IRS is expanding its online tools for self-service. These resources include tools such as “Where’s My Refund? and a broader FAQ section to help taxpayers respond to frequent inquiries.
Are tax returns being processed slower this year?
While the IRS is implementing new measures to support faster processing times, delays are possible as the amount of filings and tax law changes such as EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) regulations continue to grow. But, with more resources, the IRS plans to minimize these delays as much as it can.
Conclusion
With calls likely to flood in during the 2025 tax filing season, the service is trying to position itself to offer better customer service. By hiring more employees, increasing online tools and using additional technology, the IRS said it aims to provide faster, more efficient service to taxpayers. Of course, these changes are planned to help remedy longstanding problems with wait times and service delays, so taxpayers will still have a smooth process this year. With these steps taken into consideration, taxpayers should look out for improved access, and better service for the 2023 tax-filing season as the IRS implements the report’s recommendations.