The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does not usually get the best wrap. The IRS has faced many accusations of being biased, unfairly going after people who lack the resources to fight back legally, and even targeting conservatives for political reasons.
Some officials, such as GOP Sen. Ted Cruz, have said the IRS needs to be abolished altogether. Recently, the IRS has come under fire for delays in getting people’s tax refunds to them on time.
At best, the IRS can be described as controversial; at worst, it can be categorized as a deeply corrupt institution.
Nevertheless, in light of all the problems this organization has faced, it’s getting calls to put together a system that lets folks file their taxes online, per The Hill.
Potential New Changes Coming to the IRS
Spanning across two different filing seasons now, the IRS has found itself having trouble with processing returns to the tune of tens of millions.
It is for this reason the IRS is being called upon to construct online resources that allow Americans to easily file their taxes. In particular, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) says online tools of this nature would be greatly beneficial to US taxpayers.
If you’ve recently married and you and your spouse are now moving in together, be sure to notify the #IRS of your address change. See: https://t.co/2cUqsfJDwD #IRStaxtip pic.twitter.com/WnsB6tVhk2
— IRSnews (@IRSnews) April 30, 2022
On top of this, GAO believes the IRS should catch up on bills passed in 2018 that deal with modernizing websites, such as the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experiences Act.
As things currently stand, seven out of ten US taxpayers are suitable to use various forms and other digital services when it comes to filing. However, only 3% use these tools.
On a similar note, the Americans for Tax Fairness organization is pushing for the IRS to not only construct its own filing programs, but then to also make sure Americans get them.
More Controversies Surrounding the IRS
American taxpayers face deadlines they have to meet when it comes to filing and paying their taxes. However, as delays mount with the IRS getting people’s tax refunds to them, some Americans have described the dynamic as hypocritical.
There are many folks who take issue with having to pay their taxes on time, yet not being guaranteed their tax refunds on time.
Tax "refunds" are such bullshit. If you get a refund, that means you gave the IRS an interest free loan for the year and you got absolutely nothing in return for it.
The IRS isn't being nice by giving you a refund. They borrowed your money, for free, without your permission.
— JP – Controversial Takes (@MPDolphinsFan) April 25, 2022
Then, there are other people who believe tax refunds aren’t all that they’re cracked up to be. It’s been pointed out that tax refunds amount to simply “overpaying” the IRS and them returning the money without having to pay any interest.
Needless to say, if the IRS has any interest in improving its public perception, the agency certainly has a lot of work to do.
Do you believe the IRS needs a new system for how Americans are able to file their taxes? Let us know in the comments area below if you think the IRS will make any of the recommended changes.
