In a report released today, the inspector general said attrition and a heightened workload have combined to leave the IRS understaffed. The new hires in the agency’s small business and self-employed division resulted in a net gain of just 580 revenue officers by the end of fiscal 2010, according to the report. The IRS watchdog predicted a net gain of 127 revenue officers by the end of fiscal 2012. The study could affect the debate over funding for the agency. It comes two days before IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman is scheduled to testify before a congressional panel on the agency’s budget. The inspector general warned that, unless the IRS is fully staffed, compliant taxpayers are at a disadvantage. “If the IRS does not have a sufficient number of qualified” revenue officers, the report said, “it could create an unfair burden on the majority of taxpayers who fully pay their taxes on time.” [Bloomberg]
Related Posts
Man Sues IRS for Giving Him a Headache
Before you start ringing up the lawyers, you should know what this guy’s head pain was caused by something that Doug Shulman has very little control over.
A New Orleans resident has filed a lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service after a portable office wall fell and struck him in the head. Willie B. Jolliff, Jr. filed suit against Internal Revenue Services, East Skelly and Jones, Lang, LaSalle Americas Inc. on May 16 in federal court in New Orleans.
According to the lawsuit, Jolliff was hurt by the wall on May 15, 2010, resulting in headaches and a neck injury.
The IRS is accused of negligence by failing to maintain a safe environment for office visitors, failing to properly maintain and secure the portable office wall and failing to warn of a potentially dangerous condition.
IRS customer claims headaches in personal injury suit [Louisiana Record]
Lots of IRS Workers Will Have to Trudge Back to Work From Mandatory Unpaid Vacation
It’s hard enough being an IRS employee during tax season when you’re receiving a paycheck. […]
The IRS Is Ruining Its Weekend Plans for the Sake of the American Taxpayer Again
The April 15th deadline has come and gone but that does not mean the IRS’ work is done. In fact, getting money in the Treasury Department’s door is a 24/7/365 sorta deal and in case you didn’t notice, there’s a bit of a deficit problem.
Accordingly, the IRS has decided to host open houses at 200 facilities in all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico on May 15th from 9 am to 2 pm local time (locations here). IRS staff will be there to help individuals and small businesses sort out any issues they may have (See? Filing that extension was a good idea).
This marks the second time in 2010 that the IRS has opened its arms to public on the Sabbath, having done so on March 27th. According to the Service, that particular National Day of IRS Friendliness was a resounding success, with 88% of taxpayers getting their issues resolved that day.
Doug Shulman all but assures your satisfcation in the press release, “Our goal is to resolve issues on the spot so small businesses and individuals can put any issues they have with the IRS behind them. If you have a problem filing or paying your taxes or resolving a tough tax issue, we encourage you to come in and work with us.”
Okay, maybe it’s not exactly a 100% money-back guarantee but the Service is going to work their cans off to get you in compliance and cutting a check that day. Unless of course you’re a Tea Party type trying to get on the six o’clock news, in which case you’ll be dealt with in a swift and decisive manner.
Open House on Saturday May 15 to Help Small Businesses, Individuals Solve Tax Problems [IRS.gov]