The Internal Revenue Service's $10.9 billion annual budget is so puny that it's ignoring 60 per cent of phone calls from people who are working on their tax return who have questions in advance of the April 15 filing deadline. John Koskinen, the agency's commissioner, said Tuesday during a speech at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. that $346 million in budget cuts this year has caused a noticeable negative impact on taxpayer service.' 'This year we were forced to substantially reduce hiring of extra seasonal help we usually bring in during the filing season,' Koskinen said. 'As a result, the phone level of service is now below 40 per cent.'John Koskinen revealed the startling statistic during a speech at the National Press ClubHe says budget cuts have forced the IRS to pare back its staff numbers, leaving tax return filers largely on their ownAgency has already cried poor this year, complaining that it lacks the manpower to conduct as many audits as in past yearsBut the IRS paid out $5.8 billion in fake tax refunds to identity thieves in 2013, the most recent year for which numbers are availableAmericans have a hate-hate relationship with the agency: 'The IRS code is longer than the Bible,' Koskinen admitted, 'with none of the good news'
Still, most _ find America's tax laws confusing enough to rely on tax-preparation software or professional preparers to help them navigate the waters, leading to frustration and now-legendary resentment.