The IRS is undertaking a significant effort to enhance communication with taxpayers by simplifying its often complex letters. As part of the newly introduced “Simple Notice Initiative,” the federal tax collector is revamping and dispatching commonly received notices in preparation for the 2024 tax filing season.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen emphasized that the redesigned notices will be characterized by brevity, clarity, and improved accessibility. She stated during a Tuesday briefing with reporters that taxpayers can expect a noticeable difference in the simplicity and comprehensibility of the letters both in physical mail and online accounts.
The upcoming 2024 tax season, commencing on January 29, will witness the implementation of these revamped notices. Currently, the IRS sends out over 170 million notices annually to taxpayers covering various aspects such as credits, deductions, and taxes owed. However, these notices are often unnecessarily lengthy and laden with legal terminology, leading to confusion and increased calls to the agency.
IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel highlighted the significance of the “Simple Notice Initiative” in fostering better understanding of tax liability and enhancing tax enforcement. The initiative, funded through the Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act, received an $80 billion cash infusion over a decade. This funding is crucial for initiatives aimed at streamlining IRS operations, including the ongoing paperless processing initiative introduced in August.
The Inflation Reduction Act, passed into law in August 2022, granted the IRS the much-needed financial boost. Despite facing potential cuts to some of the allocated funds, Werfel emphasized the importance of these resources in achieving the agency’s objectives.
The broader objective of reducing paperwork and making the IRS more user-friendly aligns with the agency’s paperless processing initiative. This initiative aims to alleviate the burden of excessive paperwork and enhance overall efficiency. As part of this effort, most individuals will have the option to submit all documentation digitally in 2024, with the IRS planning to fully process everything, including tax returns, digitally by 2025.
Werfel concluded by stressing the need to communicate with taxpayers in plain language to facilitate better comprehension. Clearer notices, especially when indicating a balance due, are expected to expedite understanding and payment processes, contributing to the IRS’s collection goals.
