We all know the U.S. tax system is complicated. And now, thanks to outgoing National Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson, there's a poster you can hang up in your home or office to prove it. (It's great for college dorm rooms, too!) In her final report to Congress, Olson introduced the "Taxpayer Roadmap," which "shows, at a high level, the taxpayer's 'journey' through the tax system—from getting answers to tax law questions and preparing a return, through return processing, audit, appeals, litigation, and collection." Talk about your head-spinners! You can view it online or, if you want your very own 18" x 18" poster that's suitable for framing, call 800-829-3676 and request Publication 5341. Get 'em while supplies last!
This two-dimensional roadmap is really just the first step in the Taxpayer Advocate Service's (TAS's) development of a more robust "digital roadmap" that will allow taxpayers and tax professional to "input the document number of any IRS letter or notice and receive a plain English summary of that letter or notice." With the digital tool, you'll also be able to click on the map and see where you are in the overall process. From there, you'll also be able to "learn more about that step in the tax process and the surrounding steps through pop-ups and links into additional TAS and IRS content." The first iteration of the digital map is expected to be released during the IRS's 2020 fiscal year.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
-
Stock Market Today: Nasdaq Spirals as Netflix NosedivesA big earnings boom for credit card giant American Express helped the Dow notch another win.
-
Get These 40 Earth Day Deals and DiscountsMonday, April 22, is Earth Day. Many of your favorite retailers are celebrating with deals on sustainable products, recycling services, and more
-
Kiplinger's Tax Map for Middle-Class Families: About Our Methodologystate tax The research behind our judgments.
-
Retirees, Make These Midyear Moves to Cut Next Year's Tax BillTax Breaks Save money next April by making these six hot-as-July tax moves.
-
Estimated Payments or Withholding in Retirement? Here's Some GuidanceBudgeting You generally must pay taxes throughout the year on your retirement income. But it isn't always clear whether withholding or estimated tax payments is the best way to pay.
-
How to Cut Your 2021 Tax BillTax Breaks Our guidance could help you claim a higher refund or reduce the amount you owe.
-
Why This Tax Filing Season Could Be UglyCoronavirus and Your Money National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins warns the agency will continue to struggle with tight budgets and backlogs. Her advice: File electronically!
-
Con Artists Target People Who Owe The IRS MoneyScams In one scheme, thieves will offer to "help" you pay back taxes, only to leave you on the hook for expensive fees in addition to the taxes.
-
Cash-Rich States Lower TaxesTax Breaks The economic turnaround sparked a wave of cuts in state tax rates. But some say the efforts could backfire.
-
The Financial Effects of Losing a SpouseFinancial Planning Even amid grief, it's important to reassess your finances. With the loss of your spouse's income, you may find yourself in a lower tax bracket or that you qualify for new deductions or credits.
