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IRS Ignores More Than 60% of Calls During Tax Season

© AP Photo / J. David Ake

19:12 GMT 01.04.2015(updated 19:29 GMT 01.04.2015) Get short URL

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Short on staff, Internal Revenue Services (IRS) customer service representatives have been ignoring more than 60% of calls during this year’s tax season.

Speaking at the National Press Club, IRS Commissioner John Koskinen says he’s lobbied for more money to help the agency, saying a boost in the budget would help staff the overwhelmed customer service lines.

Internal Revenue Service Commissioner John Koskinen testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015, before the Senate Finance Committee during a hearing to examine the Internal Revenue Service Operations and the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2016.

© AP Photo / Susan Walsh

Internal Revenue Service Commissioner John Koskinen testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015, before the Senate Finance Committee during a hearing to examine the Internal Revenue Service Operations and the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2016.

Koskinen added that funding would also help reverse staffing cuts in their compliance division, estimating that the US will lose an additional $2 billion this year, in money it would have been able to collect had it had more employees.

Congress has cut the IRS funding for several years, with Republicans contending the agency can make better use of its funds due to improved technology. Some believe the budget cuts come after the agency targeted tea-party groups for scrutiny as they sought tax-exempt status.

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: IRS Releases ‘Dirty Dozen’ Tax Scams List

: World War II Vet Struggles to Convince IRS He’s Still Alive

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National Press Club, John Koskinen, US

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