From a record number of unprocessed returns to the inability to contact the IRS, these ongoing issues continue to be a problem for taxpayers and tax practitioners. The Tax Professionals United for Taxpayer Relief Coalition — a diverse group of stakeholders from the tax community including the AICPA — is taking steps to help by providing recommendations the IRS can implement now and raising the profile of the systematic issues.

Hear how the IRS can do more on this Tax Section Odyssey episode where April Walker, CPA, CGMA, Lead Manager – AICPA Tax Section, is joined by Ed Karl, CPA, CGMA, Vice President – AICPA Tax Policy & Advocacy.

What you'll learn in this episode

• History of IRS service level issues (1.20)
• Steps the AICPA is taking to try to impact the current situation (3.43)
• What the IRS needs to be able to improve the situation (6.01)
• Practical recommendations and tips the IRS can take to mitigate the need for practitioners and taxpayers to contact the IRS (7.22)
• Upcoming events to attend for the latest updates (17.53)
• Will the April 18 tax deadline change? (19.12)
• Final thoughts from Ed (20.56)

AICPA resources

• Is Help on the Way from the IRS for this Filing Season? — Hear how the IRS can do more in this free, one-hour webinar (no CPE credits offered) on Feb. 8, 1pm ET.
• AICPA Relief for Taxpayers for the 2022 Filing Season — The AICPA led a coalition of stakeholders to urge action from the IRS to mitigate anticipated challenges in the upcoming tax season. The coalition also requested a meeting with IRS officials to discuss their concerns and recommendations and directly address any questions.
• AICPA Town Hall Series— Bi-monthly, high-impact news broadcast series that delivers the latest news, analysis, insights and practical guidance to accounting and finance professionals and responds to pressing issues facing the profession.
• Press Center — The Press Center includes news and information for reporters and editors, including press releases, media advisories and other official statements from the AICPA.
• Tax season hub — With constant changes to the tax landscape, being prepared for tax season is critical for success. Set yourself up for a smoother filing season by tapping into the wealth of AICPA and Tax Section resources.

Other resources

• IRS Statement — Providing meaningful assistance to taxpayers in the current environment — IRS statement on January 27, 2022
• Understanding Your CP80 Notice — A notice that states credited payments and/or other credits to a taxpayer's account for the tax period; however, the IRS hasn't received the tax return. Due to processing delays for 2019 and 2020 tax returns, the issuance of CP80 and CP080 notices have been suspended. If a taxpayer received a notice for the 2019 return and it was filed timely, please refile the return. If a taxpayer receives a notice for the 2020 return, do not
• Your Online Account — Encourage your clients to sign up for an IRS online account to access their individual account information including balance, payments, tax records and more.

Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section Odyssey podcast includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices.

This resource is part of the robust tax resource library available from the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section is your go-to home base for staying up to date on the latest tax developments and providing the edge you need for upskilling your professional development. If you're not already a member, consider joining this prestigious community of your tax peers. You'll get free CPE, access to rich technical content such as our Annual Tax Compliance Kit, a weekly member newsletter and a digital subscription to The Tax Adviser.