When the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) initially announced that, due to budget cuts, taxpayer assistance would be limited this season, taxpayers were concerned: what about tax filing questions? Taxpayers were told to expect long wait times on the telephone – if they could get through at all – and practically no in-person service at Tax Assistance Centers.
That, however, could be changing. IRS has announced a limited test program in 10 of its larger Tax Assistance Centers around the country. The key to the test? Appointments.
Traditionally, IRS serves taxpayers on a first come, first served basis. This can result in long waits and frustrated taxpayers. But an appointment – like going to the doctor’s office – means that taxpayers will have a specific time to see a representative. The hope is that this kind of appointment-based service approach will reduce taxpayer wait times.
IRS Commissioner John Koskinen said, about the test, “During a challenging filing season with a very limited budget, we need to find ways to increase our efficiency and still provide the best service possible to taxpayers. My hope is that this test increases the level of customer service that we can provide while minimizing needless burden on taxpayers.”
In other words: IRS isn’t quite sure how this is going to work – but they’re hopeful that it does.
Since it’s a test program, appointments are not available at all of the more than 350 Tax Assistance Centers across the country. The first push for appointments will be at ten centers:
To make an appointment, contact the center closest to you (find yours here). If you don’t have an appointment at these offices, you can still pop in to pick up some forms (find out how to get forms without going to an office here). All other services, however, including answering questions, will require an appointment.
If you are not physically near one of those spots, you can still use the other Tax Assistance Centers: just don’t be surprised if you have to wait. Additional test sites may be added in the near future.
To find a center near you, visit the TAC page at the IRS web site.
