The ink on 2012 tax returns was barely dry when the National Treasury Employees Union announced an IRS-wide furlough implementation for the 2013 calendar year. On five separate days in 2013, the IRS will be closed: May 24, June 14, July 5, July 22, and August 30. This means no answered phone calls, no conversations with IRS members about tax problems—in short, five very anxious days for anyone who needs tax help or advice.

Citing sequestration as the cause of this “disappointing development,” NTEU president Colleen M. Kelley voiced concerns about taxpayer impact, noting that while Tax Day may be over, many small businesses, taxpayers, and government entities still need IRS assistance to manage quarterly payments and fiscal-year business. But on the 2013 furlough dates, their calls will go unanswered. “I believe this is an unprecedented event that leaves taxpayers out in the cold,” Kelley said.

And taxpayer impact is only … Read More