Menendez Statement on Announced Changes at IRS to Reduce Massive Processing Backlogs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee that oversees tax policy, issued the following statement in response to the IRS’s announcement that it will shift its personnel to help the agency reduce its massive processing backlogs:

“For nearly a year, I have been sounding the alarm about massive processing backlogs at the IRS and how this would severely affect American taxpayers during this year’s tax season. While I understand the pandemic significantly hampered the agency’s ability to perform its duties, the federal government has had enough time to adjust workflows and make its services more resilient.

“This belief guided me as I have repeatedly urged IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig to take concrete steps to address this problem. I’m glad he is finally heeding our calls for action and making personnel changes. These changes will enable the IRS to significantly reduce the processing backlogs at the agency and will help address some of the most painful issues facing America’s taxpayers. Taxpayers deserve high-quality service when dealing with the IRS and I stand ready to ensure that the agency has the resources it needs to return back to basics such as answering phones, providing quality online and in-person services, and processing returns in a timely manner.”