As New Tax Season Starts, , IRS Still Processing <br />2020 Returns.<br />NPR reports as a new tax filing season begins, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) still has millions of 2020 returns yet to be processed.<br />On top of being understaffed, <br />tax experts say the agency has <br />less money and more work than ever.<br />The service is in the roughest shape it's been in 50 years. , Mark Everson, former commissioner Internal Revenue Service, via NPR.<br />According to NPR, the IRS' budget has been slashed by nearly 20% in the last decade.<br />IRS watchdog, the National Taxpayer Advocate, reports in 2022, the <br />agency has nearly 35 million tax returns <br />still unfinished from 2020.<br />The National Taxpayer Advocate also found in 2021 that taxpayers who attempted to contact the IRS for information had a measly 1 in 9 chance of someone answering their calls.<br />Experts say, per the usual, taxpaying citizens of the United States are left holding the bag.<br />It has been a very <br />painful period of time, <br />very frustrating, <br />very hard for taxpayers. , Erin Collins, the National Taxpayer Advocate, via NPR.<br />They can't get through <br />to the IRS through phones, <br />their paper correspondence have been piling up, , Erin Collins, the National Taxpayer Advocate, via NPR.<br />so it's very difficult for them to figure out what's going on. , Erin Collins, the National Taxpayer Advocate, via NPR
