IRS Refund Delayed due to Outdated Technology

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National Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins Protests as IRS decided to withhold scanning technology until the next tax season.

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Collins encouraged the IRS to deploy 2D barcodes during this tax season.

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The technology was developed as the IRS was struggling to process millions of paper tax returns.

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During an inspection session with IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig, the lawmaker shared her worries.

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She claimed that funding for scanner equipment was already allotted in the budget for years.

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Deputy IRS Commissioners Douglas O'Donnell and Jeffrey Tribiano responded to Collins' request...

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...saying the agency was still piloting technology but had no timeline.

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Collins appealed their decision, stressing the necessity to adopt scanner technology.

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Due to the size of the issue and the delay of returning papers, I've taken the rare step of offering a help.

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Our taxpayers and employees need a 21st-century tax administration that employs technology to simplify tax refunds.

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IRS management and personnel concur with this remark.

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She said that since the COVID-19 outbreak began, tens of millions of taxpayers have encountered delays

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...in collecting their tax refunds.

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