You can track a package, a bank deposit, or even a food delivery – but what about documents you send to the IRS?
When taxpayers mail an amended return, submit supporting documents, or send correspondence, they may not know what happens next. Did the IRS receive it? Is someone reviewing it? Has the IRS taken action?
After hearing concerns from taxpayers, the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP) explored ways to improve the process. TAP is a group of citizen volunteers who listen to taxpayers, identify issues with IRS processes, and recommend improvements to the IRS.
TAP’s Taxpayer Communications Committee took on this issue. The committee looks at IRS communications and digital services from the taxpayer’s perspective, identifying ways to improve how taxpayers and tax professionals get information and interact with the IRS electronically.
Through Project 00991, Tracking documents sent to the IRS, the committee recommended that the IRS create a secure tracking feature for taxpayers and authorized representatives to monitor the status of submitted documents.
Similar to tracking a package, taxpayers could confirm when documents are received, see where they are in the review process, and know when an action has been completed.
A tracking feature could provide timely updates, reduce uncertainty, and lessen the need for follow-up calls and correspondence. Most importantly, it could help taxpayers stay informed and feel more confident when working with the IRS.
Explore TAP’s Work
Project 00991 is just one example of how TAP turns taxpayer feedback into recommendations for improving IRS’s services and tax administration.
Want to see other issues TAP has addressed? Browse or search TAP’s current and past projects to explore taxpayer issues TAP has raised and recommendations submitted to the IRS.
Learn More About the Committee
Visit the Taxpayer Communications Project Committee page to learn more about the committee and its members.
Have an Idea for Improving Services at the IRS?
Have you experienced an IRS service issue like this one or have an idea for making IRS services better? TAP wants to hear from you. Submit your suggestion using Form 14388, Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP) Issue Submission. Your feedback could help identify the next opportunity for TAP to recommend improvements to the IRS.