Young, Luján Introduce Legislation to Support Americans Facing IRS Challenges

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), members of the Senate Committee on Finance, introduced the Strengthening Taxpayer Advocacy Act , legislation to empower the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) to better serve Americans navigating challenges with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), particularly those experiencing financial hardship, delays, or unable to get their problems resolved through normal channels. “Too many Hoosiers know the frustration of trying to resolve an issue with the IRS and getting stuck in bureaucratic red tape,” said Senator Young . “The Taxpayer Advocate Service plays an important role in supporting taxpayers who need help navigating those challenges. Whether someone is waiting on a refund, trying to correct an error, or dealing with a tax return issue that has gone unresolved for too long, Americans deserve responsive, effective assistance. This bill will strengthen the Taxpayer Advocate Service so it can better serve taxpayers and ensure they receive the help they deserve.” “The Taxpayer Advocate Service is critical for New Mexicans in every corner of the state and Americans who are stuck in the IRS system and need help,” said Senator Luján . “Whether it’s a family waiting on a delayed refund, a senior dealing with an incorrect tax bill, or a small business trying to resolve an IRS error, taxpayers deserve timely, effective assistance. My legislation ensures TAS has the independence, access, and authority it needs to stand up for taxpayers and deliver results.” For many Americans — especially those in rural or underserved communities in Indiana, and across the country — access to tax assistance can be limited. TAS plays a critical role in helping individuals who cannot resolve issues through standard IRS channels. For TAS to be effective, independence, access to information, and the ability to keep serving taxpayers during emergencies is critical. The Strengthening Taxpayer Advocacy Act strengthens TAS and ensures that assistance is not hindered by bureaucratic delays, lack of access to records, or disruptions caused by government shutdowns. Specifically, the Strengthening Taxpayer Advocacy Act includes the following provisions: National Taxpayer Advocate Independence: Extends the National Taxpayer Advocate (NTA)’s independent personnel authority to all TAS officers and employees, including national office staff. Improves Access to Critical Information: Requires IRS access for TAS to relevant taxpayer return information, Chief Counsel legal advice, meetings, and data needed to fulfill TAS duties. The bill establishes a two-week default delivery time and mandates reporting of access failures. Removes Barriers for Taxpayers Seeking Assistance: Repeals an unused statute-of-limitations extension triggered by written TAS assistance requests to ensure equal treatment of taxpayers. Ensures Continuity During Government Shutdowns: Authorizes IRS and TAS to incur obligations during a shutdown to assist taxpayers facing economic hardship and to comply with Taxpayer Assistance Orders. Full text of the bill is available here .