The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) should establish a cost-free tax return preparation service to assist low-income taxpayers and those with limited English proficiency. This service would provide taxpayers with access to qualified tax preparers who can help them file their returns accurately and on time.
Benefits of a Cost-Free Tax Return Preparation Service
- Increased tax compliance: A cost-free tax return preparation service would help to increase tax compliance by making it easier for low-income taxpayers to file their returns.
- Reduced tax preparation costs: The service would also reduce tax preparation costs for low-income taxpayers, who often pay high fees to commercial tax preparers.
- Improved accuracy: Qualified tax preparers would help to improve the accuracy of tax returns, which would lead to fewer errors and faster processing times.
- Increased access to tax benefits: The service would also help to increase access to tax benefits for low-income taxpayers, who often miss out on valuable tax credits and deductions.
Implementation of a Cost-Free Tax Return Preparation Service
The IRS should implement a cost-free tax return preparation service through a network of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites. These sites are staffed by volunteers who are trained to prepare tax returns for taxpayers with low incomes and limited English proficiency.
The IRS should provide these sites with the necessary resources, including training, software, and supplies. The IRS should also conduct outreach to low-income taxpayers and those with limited English proficiency to make them aware of the service.
Conclusion
Establishing a cost-free tax return preparation service at the IRS would be a valuable investment in our tax system. The service would help to increase tax compliance, reduce tax preparation costs, improve accuracy, and increase access to tax benefits for low-income taxpayers.
Kind regards G. Porter