IRS Troubles During COVID-19
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the IRS had to cut its working staff, close its offices around the country, severely limit live telephone assistance and completely stop processing filing sent by mail. All of these measures, along with the current tax season and having to send out the government’s stimulus payments, have caused the IRS to greatly slow down its workflow.
How Can I Contact the IRS During COVID-19?
As of May 14, 2020, the tax filing deadline has been extended from April 15 to July 15. Taxpayers are strongly encouraged to file their taxes electronically. The IRS website remains the best way to file your taxes. Additionally, the webpage IRS.gov/coronavirus is dedicated to posting most recent updates on the IRS operations during this period.
Telephone lines also remain active; however, telephone assistance is very limited. Instead, taxpayers are encouraged to visit the IRS website for information regarding stimulus checks, tax returns and tax filing.
What If I Already Submitted My Tax Filing Via Paper?
If you have already submitted your tax filing via paper, the IRS asks that you refrain from re-filing electronically or from contacting the IRS to ask about the status of your filing. Instead, your paper tax filing will be processed as soon as the IRS paper processing center is opened later this year. Delays in paper filings are to be expected even after the IRS processing centers reopen due to the backlog of mail. Also, the IRS is not accepting any paper form requests at this time.
What Kind of Signature Does the IRS Now Accept?
Beginning in March of 2020, the IRS has stated that it will accept images of signatures, which can be scanned or photographed as well as digital signatures for this tax filing season. Additionally, the IRS is accepting documents being sent via email and through secured messaging systems.
Is Sending Confidential Documents Safe During COVID-19?
An obvious concern that has arisen out of the new policy of sending images of signatures and identity documents via email. It is the security of the most confidential information of taxpayers. To limit its own liability, the IRS is requesting a special letter to be attached to the email that includes the consent of the individual taxpayer of having his identity information stored and processed this way. In April of 2020 the IRS issued a warning regarding possible scams related to the new policies. It is, therefore, advised that taxpayers send their confidential documents encrypted.
If you are facing any IRS troubles during this time, do not hesitate to contact one of our experienced attorneys at EPGD Business Law, with offices in Miami, FL, Washington, D.C., and West Palm Beach, FL. Call us at (786) 837-6787 or email us to schedule a consultation.
