Best practices for tax pros filing tax returns in 2023 and advice from IRS taxpayer experience chief

Almost a month into the 2023 tax return filing season, it’s time for an update from the IRS Chief Taxpayer Experience Officer Kenneth Corbin and 2023 best practices for tax pros and taxpayers. 

IRS taxpayer experience chief provides good news on tax season tax pro and taxpayer service  

Kenneth Corbin, the IRS Chief Taxpayer Experience Officer, recently provided some good news regarding IRS customer service performance for tax professionals and taxpayers so far during this tax season. 

Mr. Corbin, speaking to the California Society of Enrolled Agents (CSEA), said that IRS customer service agents have been answering phone calls to the Practitioner Priority Service phone line in less than ten minutes and to the general taxpayer line in 12 minutes or less. These numbers are a significant improvement over the time it took to get through to the agency by phone since the start of the pandemic. 

He cited the following as the primary reasons for improved phone line responses: 

• Influx of new hires over the last several months
• 12,000 agency employees were “transitioned” back to answering the phone lines 
• Enhancement of chat bots the IRS first piloted last October to block the so-called line-jumping of services offered by some companies 

He also announced that the agency would begin community assistance visits this year working with partners to visit rural and underserved communities that do not have local IRS taxpayer offices.

Best practices for filing returns in 2023

Your tax practice's busy season doesn't need to be a disaster. Several best practices can help you, the tax professional, and your clients during the busy season. 

Here are five that can help filing returns go more smoothly and expedite receiving refunds.

1. Take advantage of IRS announced special Saturday hours through May 13 

To further enhance service this tax season, the IRS announced special Saturday hours for the next four months at Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) across the country. 

The Saturday availability will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Feb. 11, March 11, April 8 and May 13. More than 40 locations were opened on Feb. 11, with 58 offices currently scheduled for March 11.  

"These Saturday openings are part of the extra steps the IRS is taking to make a difference for taxpayers," said acting IRS Commissioner Doug O'Donnell.  

At these offices, called TACs, tax pros, and taxpayers receive in-person help from IRS employees. No appointments are necessary. 

2. Use e-File and choose direct deposit 

While this may seem to be a no-brainer, you'd be surprised at how many people still default to paper returns. Whenever possible, leverage e-File. 

3. File an accurate return – even if it means waiting

Make sure you collect all necessary documents before preparing a return. It's crucial to ensure that you have the most accurate information and documents.  

While in 2022 there’s no need to wait for the advance Child Tax Credit and Economic Impact Payment letters before filing, to prevent an inaccurate return, collect W-2s, Form 1099s and other income-related statements before filing. 

4. Consider whether to call or use IRS online resources 

The additional customer service representatives (CSRs) mentioned above are the first wave of the 5,000 new CSRs that have been hired by the agency using the additional funding provided by Congress in 2022. Chief Taxpayer Experience Officer Corbin said that he expects most of the new CSRs to be up and running answering the phones by Monday, February 20. 

Despite additional support on the phone lines, IRS.gov offers tax pros and taxpayers alike ways to get answers to tax questions, check a refund status, or pay taxes. 

Additionally, the IRS has several ways for taxpayers to stay up to date on important tax information: 

•  Follow the IRS' official social media accounts and email subscription lists to stay current on the latest tax topics and alerts. 
• Download the IRS2Go mobile app, watch IRS YouTube videos, or follow the IRS on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates on tax changes, scam alerts, initiatives, products and services. 

Taxpayers can also get information in their preferred language. The IRS translates tax resources into several languages and currently has basic tax information in 20 languages. People can also file Schedule LEP, Request for Change in Language Preference, to receive written communications from the IRS in their preferred language. 

5. Use IRS in-person services as needed (and when available)

For the 2022 tax season, the IRS not only has local tax assistance centers (TACs), but also work with partners to visit rural and underserved communities in “community assistance visits,” as Mr. Corbin discussed while speaking with the California Society of Enrolled Agents. 

The IRS's Contact Your Local Office site lists all services provided at specific tax assistance center (TAC). In general, though, IRS employees will be available to answer questions about a tax bill, IRS audit, or help resolve a tax problem, and will receive assistance from IRS employees specializing in those services.   

6. Be prepared if/when visiting a TAC or community assistance visit location 

The agency advises that individuals should bring the following documents: 

• Current government-issued photo identification.
• Social Security cards or ITINs for themselves and all members of their household, including their spouse and dependents (if applicable). 
• Any IRS letters or notices received and related documents. 
• For identity verification services, two forms of identification and, if filed, a copy of the tax return for the year in question. 

During the visit, IRS staff may also request the following information: 

• Current mailing address 
• Proof of bank account information included on a tax return to receive payments or refunds by direct deposit 

7. Use free resources provided by the IRS

The IRS suggests using the various options available to get free help, including many resources on IRS.gov. To avoid the delays with filing a paper tax return, and enhance accuracy and speed to file, the use of tax software is best practice.  

For those taxpayers in need, IRS Free File is an option. IRS Free File is available to any person or family who earned $73,000 or less in 2021. Qualified taxpayers can also find free one-on-one tax preparation help around the nation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.