News & Trending Tax News

IRS Given Major Reform Recommendations To Support Millions of Taxpayers

New recommendations aim to make the IRS easier to deal with.

By Robert Baillieul , Edited by Laura Hohenstein

Updated May 6, 2026

Add Us On Google

Tax season is stressful enough when everything goes smoothly. But recent IRS disruption, including leadership turnover and a reported 27% workforce reduction tied to DOGE cuts, has raised concerns about service quality and possible refund delays.

Now, the IRS Taxpayer Advocacy Panel has issued its 2025 annual report. For taxpayers already juggling bills, smoother IRS service could help eliminate some financial stress.

Get instant access to hundreds of discounts

Over 50? Join AARP today— because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks like discounts on travel, dining, and even prescriptions.

Get 25% off membership — just $15 for your first year with auto-renewal — and a free gift if you join today.

Become an AARP member now

Why the report matters now

The Taxpayer Advocacy Panel, or TAP, is a volunteer advisory group that listens to taxpayer concerns and recommends ways the IRS could improve service. Its members bring a real-world perspective to tax administration.

That matters because many taxpayers struggle with basic IRS interactions. A confusing notice, delayed response, or long phone wait often turns a simple tax issue into a bigger problem.

Who really has the cheapest auto insurance in your area? Check your zip code here.

What the panel recommended

TAP's 2025 report included 188 recommendations across 20 project referrals. Those recommendations focused on practical ways the IRS could improve operations and make tax administration easier for everyday taxpayers.

The panel's six project committees provided several suggestions focused on improving the taxpayer experience, including:

Clearer notices and forms

IRS notices are often intimidating, especially when taxpayers do not understand what the agency wants them to do. TAP recommended making notices, tax forms, and publications clearer and easier to act on.

That could help taxpayers respond faster and avoid missed deadlines. It may also reduce unnecessary calls when people only need a clearer explanation of a balance, correction, or requested document.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.¹ <p>Clients who complete the program and settle all debts typically save around 45% before fees or 20% including fees over 24–48 months, based on enrolled debts. “Debt-free” applies only to enrolled credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills. Not mortgages, car loans, or other debts. Average program completion time is 24–48 months; not all debts are eligible, and results vary as not all clients complete the program due to factors like insufficient savings. We do not guarantee specific debt reductions or timelines, nor do we assume debt, make payments to creditors, or offer legal, tax, bankruptcy, or credit repair services. Consult a tax professional or attorney as needed. Services are not available in all states. Participation may adversely affect your credit rating or score. Nonpayment of debt may result in increased finance and other charges, collection efforts, or litigation. Read all program materials before enrolling. National Debt Relief’s fees are based on a percentage of enrolled debt. All communications may be recorded or monitored for quality assurance. In certain states, additional disclosures and licensing apply. ©️ 2009–2025 National Debt Relief LLC. National Debt Relief (NMLS #1250950, CA CFL Lic. No. 60DBO-70443) is located at 180 Maiden Lane, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10038. All rights reserved. <b><a href="https://www.nationaldebtrelief.com/licenses/">Click here</a></b> for additional state-specific disclosures and licensing information.</p>

Better online tools

TAP also recommended improving IRS digital services, including the IRS Online Account and tax transcript applications. These tools help taxpayers find records, review account details, and handle routine tasks without calling the agency.

But online tools only help when they are simple and reliable. A better design could make it easier for taxpayers to solve basic issues on their own.

Faster ITIN processing

The panel also highlighted Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) processing. ITINs are used by taxpayers who need a tax identification number but are not eligible for a Social Security number.

Delays in this area impact filing, refunds, and IRS correspondence. TAP recommended strengthening ITIN online tools to reduce processing delays, lower call volume, and improve response times.

More ways to contact the IRS

TAP recommended an "omnichannel" approach, which simply means taxpayers would have more choices for getting help. Some people may prefer online tools, while others may need phone, mail, chat, or in-person support.

That flexibility matters for taxpayers with complicated questions, limited internet access, language barriers, or identity verification problems. In some cases, face-to-face help may still be the best option.

Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially

Expanded chatbot and live chat options

The panel also recommended expanding secure chatbot and live chat options. These tools could help answer common questions and reduce pressure on IRS toll-free phone lines.

Still, chat support should not replace human help for complicated tax problems. The biggest benefit may come from using chat for simple issues while routing harder cases to trained IRS staff.

Why these changes could help taxpayers

If adopted, these recommendations could make IRS interactions less confusing and less time-consuming. Taxpayers might get clearer letters, better online access, faster answers, and more practical ways to resolve routine issues.

However, these are still recommendations. There is no guarantee the IRS will implement all of them, or that changes would happen quickly enough to affect taxpayers by next year's filing season.

The IRS also launched a tax debt help tool

That said, the agency has taken steps to improve the experience for taxpayers. Recently, the IRS launched a Tax Debt Help tool for individuals and businesses. The tool asks questions about a taxpayer's situation and points them toward possible payment or resolution options.

Those options may include payment plans, temporary collection delays, or offers in compromise for taxpayers who qualify. The IRS says users do not need to enter personal identifying information to explore options.

Earn $200 cash rewards bonus with this incredible card

The Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card (Rates and fees) has no annual fee and you can earn $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

Cardholders can also earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

The best part? There's no annual fee.

Click here to apply now.

Bottom line

TAP's recommendations do not mean every IRS service problem will be fixed right away. But they point to common pain points taxpayers know well, including confusing letters, long phone waits, delayed responses, and hard-to-use online tools.

For now, taxpayers should open IRS mail quickly, keep records, and use official IRS tools when possible. Staying organized often helps you keep more of what you earn if a tax issue comes up.

More from FinanceBuzz:

$0 annual fee
Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
Apply Now

INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Redeem cash back for any amount. No annual fee.
Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.49% to 26.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
Terms and conditions apply.

Discover <span class='whitespace-nowrap'>it<sup>®</sup></span> Cash Back

4.7

Apply Now

on Capital One's secure website

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Annual Fee

Why we like it