Revenue Officers Will No Longer Conduct Unannounced Visits, IRS Announces

On July 24, 2023, the Internal Revenue Service announced that it will no longer have revenue officers conduct unannounced visits, marking the end of a controversial policy. However, there may still be exceptional cases where unannounced visits are necessary, though they will be greatly reduced.

The IRS has decided to downsize this practice in order to address public confusion and create a safer environment for both IRS employees and taxpayers.

The practice of revenue officers making unannounced visits to businesses and households has been in effect for decades. During these visits, unarmed IRS agents assist taxpayers in resolving their account balances, including gathering unpaid taxes and unfiled tax returns.

US IRS ends policy of unannounced revenue officer visits to taxpayers https://t.co/uFkbUcw9Aa pic.twitter.com/B7b16tvftU

— Reuters (@Reuters) July 24, 2023

This change in policy is effective immediately. Instead of unannounced visits, the IRS will now send letters in the mail to schedule meetings with taxpayers.

IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel believes that this policy change is a “common-sense” step that will enhance confidence in the IRS’ tax administration efforts and improve safety for both American taxpayers and IRS employees.

⚡️NEW: To end confusion and increase public safety, #IRS has ended most unannounced visits by Revenue Officers to taxpayers. Learn more at: https://t.co/HvFJk2YC9k pic.twitter.com/1aari4us52

— IRSnews (@IRSnews) July 24, 2023

Tony Reardon, the National President of the National Treasury Employees Union, has praised the IRS’ decision to discontinue unannounced visits. He believes that this move will increase safety for IRS employees, especially considering the criticism they have faced from some right-wing critics.

Over the years, the IRS has faced criticism from right-wing pundits, particularly during the administration of former President Obama, who accused the agency of unfairly targeting non-profit organizations.

Like the FBI, the IRS has come under scrutiny for its perceived bias in targeting the political right. As public trust in governing institutions continues to decline, the IRS may face even greater criticism.

This article appeared in TheDailyBeat and has been published here with permission.