SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — The IRS has a backlog of millions of unprocessed tax returns and other basic requests, and New Jersey U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez is hounding the agency to finally do something about it.
The IRS impacts more Americans than any other federal agency. Menendez said it's completely unacceptable for tens of millions of basic tasks waiting to be completed.
"That's why I've led or co-led six letters in the last five months, including the most recent one with 210 bipartisan, bicameral members of Congress encouraging the IRS to work down its unprecedented backlog and improve its customer service," he said.
Menendez questioned some leaders at the IRS on Capitol Hill, who said they are going to move around some personnel and allow for additional overtime hours to play catch-up.
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Erin Collins, the taxpayer advocate at the IRS, said there are a lot of things people who owe money can do online or on the phone. Relief is also available for people experiencing hard times.
"If you can show that you have financial challenges, you may be able to reduce the liability and settle it with finality to put the tax behind you," she said.
Menendez said the IRS needs to let lawmakers know what is needed immediately and in the long term so this isn't a recurring issue.
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