WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) today introduced the Taxpayer Advocate Enhancement Act to improve taxpayer services at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The bill would authorize the Office of Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) within IRS to hire and consult legal counsel to ensure there is enough personnel to meet demand.

“Sometimes taxpayers need help,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This bill creates that help.”

“Congress created the National Taxpayer Advocate to serve as a strong, independent voice in the administration who answers only to the American taxpayers and Congress. Taxpayers need to know there is someone on their side, working on their behalf every day,” said Senator Cardin. “Our legislation will allow the Taxpayer Advocate Service to be more effective with the right resources to provide quality service and counsel.”

Background

The Office of the Taxpayer Advocate was created to assist taxpayers in resolving problems with the IRS, identify areas where taxpayers have problems dealing with the IRS, provide recommendations on changes to administrative practices to mitigate problems, as well as recommend legislative changes that might be necessary. The Taxpayer Advocate Enhancement Act would amend the law to allow TAS to hire the necessary staff that have the qualifications critical to helping taxpayers resolve their problems with the IRS.