Vidya Sethuraman
India Post News Service
Ethnic Media Services organized a briefing on Feb 10 on What’s new this tax season. It featured Kevin Morehead, Deputy Commissioner of Wage and Investment Division of the IRS, and Susan Simon, Director of Customer Assistance Relationships and Education at the IRS.
Kevin Morehead, acting commissioner of the IRS’s payroll and investment division, said the IRS contributes about $4.1 trillion in tax revenue each year, accounting for about 96 percent of U.S. fiscal revenue. Last year, the IRS processed more than 260 million tax bills and forms and issued more than $1.1 trillion in refunds. As part of the newly enacted Inflation Reduction Act, the IRS also added more than 5,000 new telephone helpers and added tax agents across the country who can provide direct, in-person assistance to taxpayers.
Morehead said this year’s refund was expected to be about 10 percent lower than last year. This is mainly because some of the tax incentives temporarily provided under the special economic environment have been canceled in 2022, so taxpayers will not include these tax incentives in their tax refunds this year.
Susan Simon, IRS director of taxpayer assistance and education, said the IRS is assisting taxpayers by offering free tax refund services, especially the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program for people with disabilities and speech barriers. Assistance (VITA for short) and “Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)” for the elderly aged 60 and over. The VIDA team of the IRS has expanded to 81,000 volunteers this year, and they will provide free tax refunds for eligible individuals.
Through its Tax Assistance Centers, the agency can now offer filing support in over 350 languages. Additionally, several commonly used forms are available in multiple languages. Free tax preparation is also available through the IRS’s VIDA program, as well as its initiative for older adults.
In 362 offices across the United States, taxpayers can make an appointment to solve any problems, whether it is setting up an installment payment plan or consulting general tax issues. To find a Tax Prep Service Center near you, visit https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/.
Thank You For Your Vote!
Sorry You have Already Voted!
