In her annual report to congress, Nina E. Olson, considered the National Taxpayer Advocate strongly recommended the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) to provide taxpayers in the United States with a detailed Bill of Rights (or better yet TBOR.) Olson asserts it, "Would increase trust in the agency and, more generally, strengthen its ability to serve taxpayers and collect tax."
Many taxpayers have faced penalties, and/or setbacks during the process as well as, after their tax filing due to their inability to fully understand their rights.
Nina E. Olson, who has represented the Tax Advocate Service (TAS) for a little over a decade is working very hard today to change this. TAS, is a nationwide organization who aids U.S. individual and business taxpayers in resolving and working with the IRS to correct problems either systematically or during the filing process by explaining in further detail their rights. Olson expresses her concern due to a major decline and unfortunate difference in numbers when it comes to servicing taxpayers in comparison to 10 years ago. For this reason, she assures the IRS has faced major setbacks and has therefore, affected rather than helped taxpayers, unsure of their rights and what penalties or issues they may face, should they involuntarily file incorrectly.
One of the major issues she describes in her annual report is due to taxpayer's inability to reach a customer service representative. In 2013 she affirms, out of 100 million phones calls, 39%, (compared to 10 years ago: 13%) went unanswered. The biggest comparison was in person, at the walk-in IRS sites; Its numbers have also dropped dramatically, resulting in 110,000 tax law questions answered (compared to 10 years ago: 795,000.) A huge concern is due to training cuts in the IRS, highly detrimental to taxpayers. "If IRS customer service representatives are not well trained, taxpayers calling for help are more likely to receive incorrect information or no information" the report on www.irs.gov states.
The report assures the TBOR (Taxpayer Bill of Rights) will ease the taxpayer's concerns by a way of communicating rights in a language taxpayers are able to fully understand. It suggests, "If taxpayers believe they are treated, or can be treated, in an arbitrary and capricious manner, they will mistrust the tax system and be less likely to comply with the laws voluntarily. If taxpayers have confidence in the fairness and integrity of the system, they will be more likely to comply" expressed Olson.
The good news is the IRS's willingness to work with Mrs. Olson in this promising venture early this year. IRS Senior officials, focus groups consisting of taxpayers as well as, preparers amongst other important resources, have currently been in the wraps. This will aid in providing a better understanding of how exactly TBOR will operate and best assist the public to achieve a pleasant and successful process during tax season.
