Message to IRS  Employees
From President Colleen M. Kelley

 

                                                                                                                                                      MAY 27, 2005

 

Dear IRS Employees:

 

Today, the IRS is announcing specifics about its plans to severely cut back its customer service operations nationwide, including the closure of 68 Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) around the country. NTEU is strongly opposed to these cutbacks not only because of the negative impact on IRS employees, but because of the resulting negative impact on taxpayers. We have been working hard to inform Congress and the American people about the serious consequences of these reductions.

 

This move will lead to a decline in compliance with the nation’s tax laws since taxpayers will find it more difficult to get the assistance they need to handle their federal tax obligation. The impact would be particularly hard on seniors, minorities, and low-income taxpayers, taxpayers who have limited or no proficiency in English, and those who do not have access to the internet.

 

Along with closing TACs, the IRS also plans to cut back its taxpayer telephone service, reducing it by 15 hours a week nationwide, and closing call sites in Boston, Houston, and Chicago. Together these TACs and telephone service cutbacks would impact nearly 700 dedicated IRS employees. They will also negate much of the progress the IRS has made in enhancing its image and improving customer service for taxpayers who want to be compliant.

 

NTEU is calling on Congress to join in NTEU’s commitment to work with IRS management to increase both efficiency and customer satisfaction.

 

We need every IRS employee engaged in this effort to stop the IRS from cutting back its customer service operations. It is only a matter of time before more TACs and more call site jobs are added to the list.

 

I am asking every IRS employee to join with us in fighting these reductions and to:

 

·         Write to your Congressional representatives and let them know closing TACs and Call Sites will harm taxpayers.

 

·         Work with your chapter to circulate petitions in local communities where TACs are being closed to retain important taxpayer services.

 

·         Ask every employee to join NTEU and stand with us in this important fight to keep the work of the IRS in the hands of the government employees who perform it so well.

 

NTEU will fight hard to prevent the IRS from moving forward with this plan. NTEU will also work to mitigate any negative impact on these dedicated IRS employees using all the tools we have available.

                                                                                                           

In addition, we will be providing you with updates and the latest information on our web site at www.nteu.org.

 

NTEU will be here fighting for IRS employees so you can continue to carry out the important work of the IRS.

 

                                                                                    Sincerely,                                                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                    Colleen M. Kelley

                                                                                    National President

                                                                                    National Treasury Employees Union