This tax season is marked by uncertainty as there are significant changes being proposed to the Internal Revenue Service, including potential staff cuts and even talk of abolishing the agency altogether. Despite these developments, tax experts advise filers to continue with their tax obligations as usual. The advice is to submit returns as soon as possible, preferably electronically, to ensure accuracy and avoid delays.
Some government officials, like Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, are calling for drastic measures such as eliminating the IRS. However, legal experts emphasize that only Congress has the authority to make such changes to the tax system.
Recent efforts by DOGE to access an IRS database containing sensitive taxpayer information have raised concerns about privacy and potential conflicts of interest. Taxpayers are worried about the implications of non-IRS personnel accessing their data. Despite the uncertainty, tax experts stress the importance of filing correct and complete returns on time.
Certified financial planners like Mary Clements Evans advise against filing returns by mail due to potential IRS staff cuts and recommend using the IRS’ Direct File tool for a more efficient process. The IRS processed millions of tax returns in the last fiscal year and issued billions in returns, highlighting the importance of protecting taxpayer information and ensuring the integrity of tax systems.
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