IRS Issued Major Reform Recommendations To Support Millions of Taxpayers
The Internal Revenue Service has been given major recommendations to improve its service for millions of taxpayers.
The IRS's Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP) on Friday released its annual report, which included 188 recommendations aimed at improving operations and the experience of taxpayers.
The recommendations include making taxpayer notices clearer, improving online tools and reducing call wait times.
The report comes after the deadline for most Americans to file taxes passed on April 15, though those who filed for a two-month extension have until June 15 to file their returns.
Why It Matters
The recommendations come as IRS has gone through a leadership turnover and reduced its workforce by 27 percent over the past year through cuts brought on by the Department of Government Efficiency. Those reductions could results in Americans receiving tax refunds later than usual this year.
The Report's Key Recommendations
According to the report, the panel included six project committees and one internal committee. In 2025, the project committees submitted 20 project referrals that included a total of 188 recommendations.
The recommendations focused on areas "with the greatest potential to improve how taxpayers interact with the IRS" and on “reducing complexity and confusion for taxpayers," the report said.
Among the panel's recommendations are improvements to IRS notices, correspondence, tax forms and publications to make them clear and easier for taxpayers to understand.
The panel also recommended improving online tools available on the IRS website, including improving the experience within the IRS Online Account and tax transcript applications.
The panel also recommended streamlining correspondence processes and improving Individual Taxpayer Identification Number online tools to reduce processing delays, reduce call volume, and improve response times.
The panel also recommended an "omnichannel approach" to allow taxpayers to choose how they communicate with the IRS, stressing the importance of in-person assistance to ensure taxpayers continue to have access to essential support services.
Also recommended was an expansion of a chatbot and live chat tools that could reduce wait times and improve responsiveness on IRS toll-free phone lines.
National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins said in a statement: "In 2025, TAP members dedicated hundreds of volunteer hours to grassroots outreach, listening directly to taxpayers across the country and abroad and elevating the real-world challenges they face.
"Their efforts resulted in nearly 200 recommendations to improve IRS service and tax administration. By partnering with the IRS to advance practical, taxpayer-focused solutions, TAP plays a critical role in strengthening taxpayer rights and making tax administration more transparent, accessible, and responsive. I extend my sincere appreciation to our TAP volunteers for their exceptional commitment and the meaningful impact reflected in this Annual Report."
IRS Launches New Tool
Earlier this month, the IRS launched a new online tool to help taxpayers understand and resolve tax debt.
According to the IRS, the Tax Debt Help tool provides taxpayers and businesses with help towards payment with "a simple, accessible way" to explore payment options and identify their next steps.
It walks users through a series of questions about their financial situation and tax debt and based on he responses, the tool will guide them to a potential payment and resolution options available through the IRS such as payment plans, temporary delay on collections or offers in compromise for those who qualify.
The IRS said the tool does not require taxpayers to enter any personally identifiable information, meaning they can explore available options without providing details including Social Security numbers, names or addresses.
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This story was originally published April 25, 2026 at 7:23 AM.