You may not get your virus bailout checks on time because over the past two decades the IRS budget has been slashed 20%
Demonizing federal workers has been part of the GOP playbook since the New Deal
The Internal Revenue Service is under huge pressure to quickly disperse the $1,200 payments promised to most people in the $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief bill. Experts say it could take months for everyone to get checks — with some people possibly waiting until after they file their taxes next year.
Over the past 10 years the IRS budget has been reduced by roughly 20%, leaving the agency with aging technology and forcing it to cut back on staff and training, according to experts. The added stress of the coronavirus is already causing customer service headaches.
The current acting Taxpayer Advocate Bridget Roberts released a report in January detailing how the 20% funding reduction over the past decade has led to a 20% reduction in the workforce even as the number of returns filed has increased by 9%.
Article submitted by, sheltomlee.
