Summary#
This bill directs the Secretary of the Treasury to require the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to modernize and improve taxpayer services using technology. Key actions in the bill include a public, real-time dashboard showing phone wait data and backlogs, expanded electronic access to return and refund status, wider use of callback technology, and improved online taxpayer accounts that let taxpayers and authorized representatives view and respond to IRS letters and documents.
What it means for you#
- The IRS must publish, in real time when practical, caller counts and wait details for each listed phone extension, an embedded tool that estimates wait times, and an API so others can display that data. The IRS must also use technology to detect and screen automated calls and report about weeks with significant processing delays.
- Taxpayers should be able to see specific, up-to-date information about their returns and refunds online or in a mobile app, including whether the IRS received and processed a return, refund issue dates, estimated refund arrival, and where refunds will be sent (electronic account details or mailing address for checks).
- The bill states it is the sense of Congress that taxpayers should have the option to receive a callback, and it sets a goal that by calendar year 2028 the IRS should offer a callback option for calls not answered within 5 minutes.
- The IRS must provide a website or mobile app that lets taxpayers view returns, documents, notices, and letters from the past 6 years (not including years before enactment), respond by uploading information, and allow authorized representatives, preparers, or qualified reporting agents to access multiple taxpayers' accounts with permission.
- The IRS must also set up a program to investigate unauthorized access or misuse of return information by people designated by taxpayers and publish annual data on actions taken. The agency must run focus groups before launching the new account tools.
- Timing: the dashboard rules take effect for periods beginning after 12 months from enactment. Expanded return/refund status must be available by January 1 of the first calendar year that begins more than 12 months after enactment. The online accounts and the misuse-investigation program must be available by January 1 of the first calendar year that begins more than 18 months after enactment.
Expenses#
No publicly available information.
Proponents' View#
The bill’s stated purpose is to provide for modernization and technological improvements of IRS services. It also states the sense of Congress that taxpayers should have the option to receive a callback when a call is not answered within 5 minutes. These statements indicate supporters aim to make IRS interactions faster, more transparent, and easier to use.
Opponents' View#
No publicly available information.