In February, Steven Hall, a dedicated member of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP) representing the state of New York, took the initiative to engage with the community during a local event held in Bayshore. This gathering provided a valuable opportunity for him to connect with taxpayers who were eager to discuss their concerns and experiences with the tax system.
One notable interaction occurred before the event officially began. The organizer of the outreach event brought a particular taxpayer hardship situation to Steven’s attention. This individual had previously filed a tax return but was facing an unsettling delay, as she had experienced a significant delay in receiving her refund. Understanding the importance of timely communication and in an effort to help, Steven contacted the taxpayer before the event. After hearing her story, he wanted to make sure her situation received the attention required to expedite her much-needed refund. Demonstrating his commitment to providing support, he gathered relevant details and necessary information to assist her in making a referral to the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) by working with a Local Taxpayer Advocate. When Steven and the taxpayer met in person at the event, the gratitude expressed by her and her husband was palpable. They not only thanked him for facilitating the referral but also appreciated the genuine effort he made to listen to the taxpayers’ concerns and take the time to fully understand their situation. This interaction underscores the significance of effective advocacy.
Even though the taxpayers’ issues were individual in nature, Steven recognized the potential systemic implications from this issue that could impact many other taxpayers. As he continued to follow up on this case, he discovered that this taxpayer’s issue was part of a larger trend. This realization prompted him to take further action by submitting a recommendation to raise awareness about various challenges taxpayers face and also emphasizes the fundamental role of TAP members to identify problems and provide solutions to improve the IRS. This experience profoundly illustrates the impact of outreach efforts by TAP members. By addressing individual concerns and recognizing patterns that affect many taxpayers, they can contribute to meaningful improvements to our tax system.
Through dedicated advocacy, TAP members like Steven play an essential role in advocating for taxpayers, ensuring that their voices are heard, and guaranteeing their challenges are addressed.
You can read the 2024 TAP Annual Report to get more details about how TAP members are working to improve IRS programs, products, and services.