IRS Reverses Policy: No More Unannounced Home Visits

**IRS Ends Policy of Unannounced Home and Business Visits to Protect Workers and Combat Scammers**

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently announced that it is discontinuing its long-standing practice of making unannounced visits to homes and businesses. This decision is aimed at enhancing worker safety and preventing scammers from posing as IRS agents. In a statement, the Treasury Department stated that revenue agents will now schedule meetings by sending letters instead of conducting surprise visits, with only a few exceptions. This change marks the end of an era at the IRS and reflects the evolving threats and concerns faced by the agency.

**IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel Supports the Policy Change**

IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel expressed his support for the decision, stating that it is the right move at the right time. He highlighted the fact that revenue officers, whose responsibilities involve visiting taxpayers’ homes and businesses to address their tax liabilities, will no longer engage in unannounced visits. This significant shift is a response to the changing landscape and growing security threats faced by IRS agents.

**Era of Unannounced Visits Comes to an End**

The discontinuation of unannounced visits signifies a shift in IRS practices. Previously, revenue officers would visit taxpayers’ premises to resolve outstanding tax issues, such as collecting unpaid taxes and unfiled tax returns. However, the proliferation of threats in recent years, including conspiracy theories suggesting that the IRS would aggressively target middle-income taxpayers, has necessitated a reevaluation of the agency’s approach.

**Security Concerns and Enhanced Safety Measures**

The IRS has been subject to numerous threats, prompting a comprehensive review of safety measures at its facilities. Last August, the agency initiated this review, recognizing the need to enhance security protocols. As part of its efforts to minimize risks, the IRS has started limiting personal information on communications with taxpayers. The Treasury Department’s inspector general for tax administration has highlighted concerns that taxpayers and anti-government groups may exploit the Internet and social media to track down and threaten IRS employees and their families.

**Positive Feedback from the National Treasury Employees Union**

The National Treasury Employees Union, which serves as a representative body for IRS workers, has praised the decision to end unannounced visits. The union’s leader, Tony Reardon, emphasized that despite this change, IRS officers remain committed to assisting taxpayers in meeting their tax obligations through alternative means of communication. Recognizing the importance of worker safety, the union supports the implementation of new protocols that prioritize employee well-being.

**Political Controversy Surrounding IRS Home Visits**

The issue of unannounced home visits has been a source of political debate. In March, Ohio House Republican Jim Jordan sent a letter to IRS Commissioner Werfel and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, inquiring about a journalist who received an unannounced visit from an IRS agent shortly after testifying before Congress. This incident raised concerns about the nature of these visits and their potential misuse. Commissioner Werfel believes that the policy change will help address the issues raised by unannounced visits, alleviating some of the concerns raised by Congress.

**Scammers Impersonating IRS Agents**

The increase in scam artists posing as IRS agents has further complicated the matter of unannounced home visits. These fraudulent activities have led to confusion and anxiety among taxpayers, contributing to the decision to discontinue this practice. By mailing letters to schedule meetings instead, the IRS aims to enhance transparency and reduce the risk of individuals falling victim to scams perpetrated by impostors.

In conclusion, the IRS’s decision to end the policy of unannounced home and business visits reflects a commitment to worker safety and safeguarding taxpayers from potential scams. By implementing this change, the agency hopes to address security concerns and mitigate risks faced by IRS employees. The move has been met with support from the National Treasury Employees Union, signaling a positive step forward in ensuring the well-being of IRS workers. Through these measures, the IRS aims to protect both its employees and the taxpayers it serves.