IRS Makeover: 5 Ways to Make it Happen

Each year, the Taxpayer Advocate Service and its leader Nina E. Olson release an open letter to the IRS containing recommendations for improvement. FOXBusiness.com highlights five common sense changes the IRS can make to work better for you.

1. Create one point of contact for identity theft

Under the current structure, victims of identity theft are often bounced between several automated systems and departments before any issues are resolved. Olson communicates the need to consolidate the departments that handle identity theft under one roof in order to expedite the resolution process for the taxpayer.

2. Consider how technology may impact security

As the IRS moves to more automated features and expands its online presence, Olson stresses the importance of cyber security. The report makes note of the sensitive information that is entrusted to the IRS and how a breach could be catastrophic for American citizens.

3. Perfect the administration of ObamaCare

Overall, the Taxpayer Advocate Service praised the speedy application of the Affordable Care Act’s tax provisions, but there are areas that need improvement. For instance, the Individual Shared Responsibility Payment was erroneously applied this year, which forced 300,000 taxpayers to pay an average of $110 unnecessarily.

4. Focus on compliant taxpayers

The IRS is currently structured to punish those who evade tax payments, rather than aid the 98% of citizens who willingly comply with tax requirements. Olson suggests the service reanalyze its purpose and focus its resources on encouraging voluntary taxpayers, rather than disciplining the tax evading minority.

5. Rework the vision of automated taxpayer service

In an effort to reduce cost, the IRS is in the midst of a five-year plan to replace person-to-person contact with online services. Olson’s report argues that personal contact is needed to resolve complex tax issues and simplify regulations to uninformed citizens. Ironically, limiting personal contact could lead to more mishandled tax dilemmas and increased cost.